J Leach et al 2005 New J. Phys. 7 55 doi:10.1088/1367-2630/7/1/055
Vortex knots in light
J Leach1,3, M R Dennis2, J Courtial1 and M J Padgett1
Show affiliationsOptical vortices generically arise when optical beams are combined. Recently, we reported how several laser beams containing optical vortices could be combined to form optical vortex loops, links and knots embedded in a light beam (Leach et al 2004 Nature 432 165). Here, we describe in detail the experiments in which vortex loops form these structures. The experimental construction follows a theoretical model originally proposed by Berry and Dennis, and the beams are synthesized using a programmable spatial light modulator and imaged using a CCD camera.
- PACS
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42.60.Jf Beam characteristics: profile, intensity, and power; spatial pattern formation
42.79.Pw Imaging detectors and sensors
- Subjects
- Dates
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Issue 1 (February 2005)
Received 11 November 2004
Published 15 February 2005
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Vortex knots in light
J Leach et al 2005 New J. Phys. 7 55
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