High Photon Density Spatiotemporal (OAM+SAM) Vector Beams for Maritime Environments
Abstract
This proposal seeks to understand the light and matter interaction science in maritime environments due to dynamic, high photon density states of Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) and Spin Angular Momentum (SAM). These complex spatiotemporal vector beams with transverse and longitudinally varying fields form composite 4D vector beams with the ability to manipulate power densities and energy flows across a broad range of spatial/temporal scales for both linear and nonlinear optical interactions. Some of these include turbulence in air and water at various scales, interfaces between air/water at various sea states with matter at the interface, and in turbid waters with particulates and biological matter. This MURI effort has assembled a team of PIs and collaborations to satisfy the following objectives: (a) Spatiotemporal control for 4D OAM/SAM beams to provide a dynamic realization of complex vector beams that can becontrolled in the transverse and longitudinal planes along the propagation direction. This capability will pave the way for a new paradigm in the propagation and control of high photon density beams through deep turbulence and high turbidity. The investigation will verify this through theoretical models and experimental realizations at representational power and spatiotemporal scales, (b) 4D OAM/SAM beams at high photon densities will be developed andused to exploit the linear and nonlinear interactions with particulate matter for the realization of spatiotemporally regulated forces on dense matter by controlling intensity distributions and power flows in volumetric regions along the propagating path which may provide an approach to optical path conditioning and propagation through scattering media. (c) New methods of probing thevolume and interface between air-water and water-air, using a beam composed of 4D OAM/SAM will reveal information about the physical state of the interface as well as the ability to modify its properties through linear and nonlinear interactions. This probing and/or optically induced modification of the interface will reveal properties that can be leveraged for sensing and communication in maritime environments. (d) In order to achieve these objectives, new methodsof generating complex 4D vector beams will be realized utilizing metamaterials and meta-surfaces based on the strong light matter interactions at the subwavelength scale for static and dynamic manipulation of fractional and integer states of OAM and the conversion of SAM to OAM at thespatial and temporal scales required for the propagation and interaction effects stated above. New methods of detecting OAM and SAM at these spatial and temporal time scales will be explored to aid in the understanding of light matter interactions in both the linear and nonlinear regimes. Proposed Impact on DoD Capabilities: Propagation through the maritime atmosphere and turbidity is one of the most difficult Science and Technology issues faced by the Navy. Variousapproaches have been utilized but none to date has solved the problems. This MURI will leverage the fundamental principles in light-matter interactions of OAM/SAM to develop the science that will allow us to sense with less power and higher resolution, communicate more securely with higher data rates, and propagate with more energy, science that our Navy and the DoD will needto fight in the 21st century battlespace.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 17, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012558
Entities
People
- Eric G. Johnson
Organizations
- Clemson University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy