Caustic analysis of partially coherent self-accelerating beams: Investigating self-healing properties

Peiyu Zhang, Kaijian Chen, Chuanhou Zhang, Jiafang Liang, Shengyu Deng, Peilong Hong, Bingsuo Zou, and Yi Liang

Phys. Rev. A 109, 043529 – Published 26 April 2024

Abstract

We employed caustic theory to analyze the propagation dynamics of partially coherent self-accelerating beams such as self-healing of partially coherent Airy beams. Our results indicate that appropriately reducing spatial coherence can effectively enhance the self-healing capability of beams. As the spatial coherence decreases, the self-healing ability of the beams increases. However, below a certain value of coherence, this advantage does not exist, and a longer propagation distance is required for the reconstruction. We meticulously validated these findings through both simulation and experimental data, reinforced by a quantitative similarity analysis between beams with obstacles and their obstacle-free counterparts. The application of caustic theory in the field of partially coherent structured beams not only enhances our understanding of self-healing properties but also carries substantial implications for practical applications in various fields such as optical communication, encryption, and imaging.

Received 17 November 2023
Revised 13 March 2024
Accepted 9 April 2024

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.109.043529

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Optical coherence

Atomic, Molecular & Optical

Authors & Affiliations

Peiyu Zhang¹, Kaijian Chen ¹, Chuanhou Zhang¹, Jiafang Liang¹, Shengyu Deng¹, Peilong Hong^2,3,*, Bingsuo Zou⁴, and Yi Liang ^1,3,5,†

¹Guangxi Key Lab for Relativistic Astrophysics, Center on Nanoenergy Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, China
²School of Mathematics and Physics, Anqing Normal University, Anqing, Anhui 246133, China
³The MOE Key Laboratory of Weak-Light Nonlinear Photonics, TEDA Applied Physics Institute and School of Physics, Nankai University, Tianjin 300457, China
⁴School of Physical Science and Technology and School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Key Laboratory of new Processing Technology for Nonferrous Metals and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
⁵State Key Laboratory of Featured Metal Materials and Life-cycle Safety for Composite Structures, Nanning 530004, China

^*plhong@uestc.edu.cn
^†liangyi@gxu.edu.cn

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Issue

Vol. 109, Iss. 4 — April 2024

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