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Photonics
Special Issues
Coherence Properties of Light: From Theory to Applications
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Coherence Properties of Light: From Theory to Applications

A special issue of Photonics (ISSN 2304-6732). This special issue belongs to the section "Optical Interaction Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 November 2024) | Viewed by 9694

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Yongtao Zhang

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Guest Editor
College of Physics and Information Engineering, Minnan Normal University, Zhangzhou 363000, China
Interests: optical singularity; orbital angular momentum; partially coherence; propagation property; coherence structure
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jiayi Yu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
Interests: coherence; partially coherent; polarization; propagation; turbulence
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Yahong Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
Interests: structured light; optical coherence and polarization; light beam propagation; nanophotonics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The coherence properties of light are manifestations of correlations between random light fields at two or more different spatial or temporal points, which have played a significant role in understanding interference, propagation, light–matter interactions, and other fundamental aspects of classical and quantum wave fields. The theory of optical coherence can be traced back to the study of the spatial coherence of sunlight by Verdet in 1865, which has now developed into a stand-alone branch of modern optics and found a number of important applications (including optical trapping, beam shaping, optical communications, environmental remote sensing, optical imaging, and medical diagnostics).

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome, not only exploring the physics of optical coherence, but also how these physical principles apply to practical applications. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Fundamental theory for optical coherence;
  • Structured light sources with different coherence states;
  • The measurement of coherence properties of light;
  • The propagation of partially coherent beams with structured coherence properties;
  • The scattering of partially coherent light on deterministic and random media;
  • The effect of optical coherence on the interaction of light with different media;
  • Applications for optical coherence theory.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Yongtao Zhang
Dr. Jiayi Yu
Dr. Yahong Chen
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Photonics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • optical coherence theory
  • spatial and temporal coherence
  • coherence structures
  • structured light
  • partially coherent beam
  • beam propagation
  • applications for partially coherent light

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 7586 KiB  
Article
Study of Reducing Atmospheric Turbulence-Induced Beam Wander of a Twisted Electromagnetic Elliptical Vortex Beam
by Kai Huang, Yonggen Xu, Yuqiang Li and Jin Cao
Photonics 2024, 11(6), 492; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11060492 - 22 May 2024
Viewed by 710
Abstract
We derive the analytical expressions for root-mean-square (rms) beam wander (BW) and relative BW of a twisted electromagnetic elliptical vortex (TEEV) beam propagating through non-Kolmogorov atmospheric turbulence with the help of the extended Huygens–Fresnel principle and the second-order moments of the Wigner distribution [...] Read more.
We derive the analytical expressions for root-mean-square (rms) beam wander (BW) and relative BW of a twisted electromagnetic elliptical vortex (TEEV) beam propagating through non-Kolmogorov atmospheric turbulence with the help of the extended Huygens–Fresnel principle and the second-order moments of the Wigner distribution function (WDF). Our numerical findings demonstrate that the BW of a TEEV beam with a small ellipticity, a large topological charge as well as a small waist width and initial coherent length is less affected by the turbulence. It can be also found that the effect of turbulence with a larger outer scale of turbulence, a generalized exponent parameter, and a generalized structure parameter on BW is more obvious. It is interesting to find that the effect of atmospheric turbulence on BW for a TEEV beam can be effectively reduced by regulating jointly the symbols and sizes of the twisted factor and topological charge. Therefore, modulation of the structure parameters of a TEEV beam provides a new way to mitigate turbulence-induced beam wander. Our work will be useful for free-space optical communications, remote sensing, and lidar distance measurement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coherence Properties of Light: From Theory to Applications)
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16 pages, 6183 KiB  
Article
Improved Optics for Super-Resolution Time-Lapse Observations of Biological Phenomenon Using Speckle Interferometry
by Yasuhiko Arai
Photonics 2024, 11(5), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11050427 - 3 May 2024
Viewed by 753
Abstract
This study proposes a new optical system with the potential for time-lapse observation of living cellular tissue beyond the diffraction limit through speckle interferometry to facilitate biological research. The spatial resolution of this optical system was investigated and improved upon. This study also [...] Read more.
This study proposes a new optical system with the potential for time-lapse observation of living cellular tissue beyond the diffraction limit through speckle interferometry to facilitate biological research. The spatial resolution of this optical system was investigated and improved upon. This study also experimentally verified a finding from an earlier simulation study that the new super-resolution technology could be realised by analysing the phase distribution related to the shape of the measured object, preserved in the light reflected from the object. Additionally, a method was presented to confirm the positions of microstructures, based on the extracted characteristics of the structure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coherence Properties of Light: From Theory to Applications)
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15 pages, 9602 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Robust Full Poincaré Polarization States via Spatial Coherence Engineering
by Ruihui Zhang, Ming Zhang, Zhen Dong, Fei Wang, Yangjian Cai and Yahong Chen
Photonics 2024, 11(4), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11040286 - 22 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1034
Abstract
The full Poincaré (FP) beam, encompassing all possible polarization states in its beam cross-section, has demonstrated advantages in various applications. However, conventional FP beams are typically considered as spatially fully coherent, rendering them sensitive to disturbances in the propagation path and susceptible to [...] Read more.
The full Poincaré (FP) beam, encompassing all possible polarization states in its beam cross-section, has demonstrated advantages in various applications. However, conventional FP beams are typically considered as spatially fully coherent, rendering them sensitive to disturbances in the propagation path and susceptible to speckle effects. In this work, we propose an alternative approach to synthesize the optical beam with a FP polarization state through the spatial coherence engineering of a partially coherent beam. In this process, the FP polarization state is initially encoded into the spatial coherence structure of the beam source. We demonstrate that during the encoding process, the vector nature of the beam transitions from the FP polarization state to the spatial coherence structure of the source. However, during the propagation of the partially coherent beam, the vectorness reverts to the polarization state, resulting in the re-emergence of the encoded FP polarization in the output plane. We illustrate that the synthesized FP polarization state, achieved through spatial coherence engineering, is highly robust against obstructions in the propagation path. Furthermore, we examine the effect of the spatial coherence area of the beam on the quality of the recovered FP polarization state. The findings of this work can have valuable applications in optical trapping and optical imaging in complex environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coherence Properties of Light: From Theory to Applications)
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11 pages, 6020 KiB  
Article
The Origin of Threshold Reduction in Random Lasers Based on MoS2/Au NPs: Charge Transfer
by Yanyan Huo, Ke Sun, Yuqian Zhang, Weihao Liu, Junkun Wang, Yuan Wan, Lina Zhao, Tingyin Ning, Zhen Li and Yingying Ren
Photonics 2024, 11(2), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11020168 - 9 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1493
Abstract
Random lasers have attracted much attention in recent years owing to their advantages of a simple fabrication process, low processing cost, and material flexibility for any lasing wavelengths. They provide a roadmap for the design of ultra-bright lighting, displays, etc. However, the threshold [...] Read more.
Random lasers have attracted much attention in recent years owing to their advantages of a simple fabrication process, low processing cost, and material flexibility for any lasing wavelengths. They provide a roadmap for the design of ultra-bright lighting, displays, etc. However, the threshold reduction in random nanolasers remains a challenge in practical applications. In this work, lower-threshold random laser action from monolayer molybdenum disulfide film-encapsulated Au nanoparticles (MoS2/Au NPs) is demonstrated. The observed laser action of the MoS2/Au NPs shows a lower threshold of about 0.564 µJ/mm2, which is about 46.2% lower than the threshold of random lasers based on Au NPs. We proposed that the charge transfer between MoS2 and the gain material is the main reason for the reduction in the random laser threshold. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method was used to calculate the lasing action of these two nanostructures. When charge transfer is taken into account, the theoretically calculated threshold of the MoS2/Au NPs is reduced by 46.8% compared to Au NP samples, which is consistent with the experimental results. This study provides a new mechanism to achieve low-threshold and high-quality random lasers, which has the potential to facilitate the application of random lasers and the development of high-performance optoelectronic devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coherence Properties of Light: From Theory to Applications)
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12 pages, 6306 KiB  
Article
Flexible Construction of a Partially Coherent Optical Array
by Kaiqi Zhu, Yilin Wu, Mengdi Li, Xiaofei Li, Yaru Gao and Xianlong Liu
Photonics 2024, 11(2), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11020133 - 31 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1136
Abstract
In this article, we introduce a flexible and programmable method to construct a multi-parameter optical array to meet urgent and personalized needs, such as multi-particle capture and manipulation and material processing, and enrich the degree of freedom when constructing an optical array. As [...] Read more.
In this article, we introduce a flexible and programmable method to construct a multi-parameter optical array to meet urgent and personalized needs, such as multi-particle capture and manipulation and material processing, and enrich the degree of freedom when constructing an optical array. As an example, uniform and nonuniform spiral coherent lattices (SCLs) and their propagation properties are investigated both theoretically and experimentally. Various intensity distributions, e.g., a uniform and nonuniform spiral light field, can be achieved by manipulating the diverse parameters. Additionally, the complex degree of coherence exhibits phase singularities in the source plane, which can be used for constructing optical vortex beams. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coherence Properties of Light: From Theory to Applications)
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11 pages, 3699 KiB  
Article
Statistical Properties of a Twisted Gaussian Schell-Model Beam Carrying the Cross Phase in a Turbulent Atmosphere
by Wenshuo Hou, Leixin Liu, Xianlong Liu, Yangjian Cai and Xiaofeng Peng
Photonics 2024, 11(2), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11020124 - 29 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1193
Abstract
In this letter, we conducted a detailed investigation of the statistical properties, such as spectral density, spectral degree of coherence (SDOC), orbital angular momentum (OAM) flux density, and propagation factor M2, of a twisted Gaussian Schell-model (TGSM) beam carrying the cross [...] Read more.
In this letter, we conducted a detailed investigation of the statistical properties, such as spectral density, spectral degree of coherence (SDOC), orbital angular momentum (OAM) flux density, and propagation factor M2, of a twisted Gaussian Schell-model (TGSM) beam carrying the cross phase in a turbulent atmosphere. Our findings revealed that atmospheric turbulence induces degeneration of the intensity distribution and spectral degree of coherence of a Gaussian Schell-model beam with the cross phase during propagation, while the twist phase acts as an antidote to degradation. Furthermore, we observed that the z-component of the time-averaged angular momentum flux is determined by the twist phase, whereas the cross phase influences the distribution of the OAM flux density in the beam. Additionally, we explored the variations in the propagation factor M2 of a TGSM beam with the cross phase in a turbulent atmosphere. Notably, we discovered that the deleterious effects of the atmospheric conditions can be mitigated by modulating both the twist and the cross phases. This work contributes valuable insights for information transfer and optical manipulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coherence Properties of Light: From Theory to Applications)
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12 pages, 3622 KiB  
Communication
Propagation Properties of Generalized Schell-Model Pulse Sources in Dispersive Media
by Xiayin Liu, Zhiyu Cai, Xiaogang Wang and Bijun Xu
Photonics 2023, 10(12), 1378; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics10121378 - 14 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1002
Abstract
A model of a generalized pulse source, whose complex degree of temporal coherence is described by a function of the nth power difference of two instants, was constructed. As examples, we consider the generalized Gaussian and multi-Gaussian Schell-model pulse sources and study [...] Read more.
A model of a generalized pulse source, whose complex degree of temporal coherence is described by a function of the nth power difference of two instants, was constructed. As examples, we consider the generalized Gaussian and multi-Gaussian Schell-model pulse sources and study their propagation in dispersive media. It is indicated that such pulse beams present unique self-focusing, off-axis self-shifting and asymmetric self-splitting characteristics by adjusting the power exponent and phase parameters. Further, we explicitly discuss how the coherence time, summation factor as well as the dispersive coefficient significantly affect the self-focusing and self-shifting behaviors of the pulse beam. The results will benefit some applications involving pulse shaping, optical trapping and remote sensing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coherence Properties of Light: From Theory to Applications)
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11 pages, 2956 KiB  
Communication
Tight Focusing of Circular Partially Coherent Radially Polarized Circular Airy Vortex Beam
by Zhihao Wan, Haifeng Wang, Cheng Huang, Zhimin He, Jun Zeng, Fuchang Chen, Chaoqun Yu, Yan Li, Huanting Chen, Jixiong Pu and Huichuan Lin
Photonics 2023, 10(11), 1279; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics10111279 - 18 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1267
Abstract
The tight focusing properties of circular partially coherent radially polarized circular Airy vortex beams (CPCRPCAVBs) are theoretically studied in this paper. After deriving the cross-spectral density matrix of CPCRPCAVBs in the focal region of a high-NA objective, numerical calculations were performed to indicate [...] Read more.
The tight focusing properties of circular partially coherent radially polarized circular Airy vortex beams (CPCRPCAVBs) are theoretically studied in this paper. After deriving the cross-spectral density matrix of CPCRPCAVBs in the focal region of a high-NA objective, numerical calculations were performed to indicate the influence of the topological charge of the vortex phase on intensity distribution, degree of coherence and degree of polarization of the tightly focused beam. An intensity profile along the propagation axis shows that a super-length optical needle (~15 λ) can be obtained with a topological charge of 1, and a super-length dark channel (~15 λ) is observed with a topological charge of 2 or 3. In the focal plane, the rise in the number of topological charge does not distort the shapes of the coherence distribution pattern and the polarization distribution pattern, but enlarges their sizes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coherence Properties of Light: From Theory to Applications)
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