Complex light fields and singular optics

„3D energy flow in complex phase and polarization structures“ – Investigation of orbital and spin angular momentum in tailored light fields

In the frame of this Master thesis, the three-dimensional energy flow in tailored light fields is supposed to be investigated with respect to nonlinear dynamics and applications in the information technology as well as optical micromanipulation. Of special interest are complex phase and polarization structures, which include orbital as well as spin angular momentum defining the spatial energy flow. Furthermore, within these structured phase and polarization singularities occur, which also show striking dynamics.

Tailoring light is an essential part of modern optics providing a wide range of applications in e.g. optical manipulation, material machining, high-resolution imaging, quantum optics or information technology. Continuous development can be observed as nowadays, in addition to structuring amplitude and phase of light, polarization modulation newly serves as a degree of freedom in various applications. Further, customized light facilitates the investigation of unsolved fundamental issues of photonics, especially “singular optics”:  spatially structured light enables the appearance of intensity, phase and polarization singularities, which represent a highly topical area of research. Moreover, in light fields including spatial phase as well as polarization modulation, spatially varying orbital as well as spin angular momentum can occur, by which complex energy flow structures can be realized.

By different methods of generation customized, three-dimensional energy flow structures of complex dynamics can be realized. Beside the variation of flow velocity, the appearance of transverse fix points of special kinds can be implemented and analyzed. Particularly, self-imaging light fields are of interest, which show a replication of specific transverse planes during propagation. These fields can reveal scalar (homogenous polarization) as well as vectorial (spatially varying polarization) characteristics, enabling different approaches for the generation of three-dimensional phase and spin flow structures.

In the frame of this thesis, neoteric three-dimensional energy flow structures in phase as well as polarization modulated complex light fields shall be investigated theoretically and experimentally. Included fix points as well as singularities in phase and polarization are supposed to be analyzed with respect to the cutting-edge area of singular optics and nonlinear flow dynamics. Furthermore, possible application e.g. in the field of optical micromanipulation shall be considered.

Within out “structured light”-team of the workgroup “Nonlinear Photonics”, consisting of Bachelor, Master and PhD students, we frequently discuss our research results, problems and ideas and present current publications.

We search for dedicated students, who are interested in optics and photonics and want to contribute to current research.

Contact: If you are interested, contact  Eileen Otte.  Gladly, we show our laboratories and introduce our research topics in the area of complex light fields & singular optics to you.