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Fractal modes and multi-beam generation from hybrid microlaser resonators

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Listed:
  • José A. Rivera

    (University of Illinois
    University of Illinois)

  • Thomas C. Galvin

    (University of Illinois
    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory)

  • Austin W. Steinforth

    (University of Illinois)

  • J. Gary Eden

    (University of Illinois
    University of Illinois)

Abstract

Fractals are ubiquitous in nature, and prominent examples include snowflakes and neurons. Although it has long been known that intricate optical fractal patterns can be realized with components such as gratings and reflecting spheres, generating fractal transverse modes from a laser has proven to be elusive. By introducing a 2D network of microspheres into a Fabry-Pérot cavity bounding a gain medium, we demonstrate a hybrid optical resonator in which the spheres enable the simultaneous generation of arrays of conventional (Gaussian) and fractal laser modes. Within the interstices of the microsphere crystal, several distinct fractal modes are observed, two of which resemble the Sierpinski Triangle. Coupling between adjacent fractal modes is evident, and fractal modes may be synthesized through design of the microsphere network. Owing to a unique synergy between the gain medium and the resonator, this optical platform is able to emit hundreds of microlaser beams and probe live motile cells.

Suggested Citation

  • José A. Rivera & Thomas C. Galvin & Austin W. Steinforth & J. Gary Eden, 2018. "Fractal modes and multi-beam generation from hybrid microlaser resonators," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:9:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-018-04945-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04945-8
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    Cited by:

    1. Konrad Tschernig & David Guacaneme & Oussama Mhibik & Ivan Divliansky & Miguel A. Bandres, 2024. "Observation of Boyer-Wolf Gaussian modes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-8, December.

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