Development of Diffraction-Free Space-Time Optical Beams

Abstract

UCF propose to theoretically investigate and experimentally synthesize and characterize a new class of pulsed optical beams that we call ~space-time~ beams. Unlike traditional optical beams where the spatial and temporal degrees of freedom are usually uncoupled, space-time beams feature tightly correlated spatiotemporal characteristics. A surprising consequence of these correlations is that such beams are almost diffraction-free and propagate for extended distances with minimal change in their transverse profile or pulse shape. Such beams will be useful in probing through scattering media, standoff detection, optical imaging and microscopy, and potentially in filamentation studies and potentially for laser weaponry.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
May 05, 2017
Source ID
N000141712458

Entities

People

  • Ayman F Abouraddy

Organizations

  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy
  • University of Central Florida Board of Trustees

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Adaptive Control and Estimation with Uncertainty in Dynamic Systems.
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Space