Generation, Propagation, and Detection of Light Beams Carrying Orbital Angular Momentum

8-10 August 2018
OSA Headquarters, Washington, DC

Hosted By:

• Brandon Cochenour, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division
• Eric Johnson, Clemson University
• Peter Morrison, Office of Naval Research
• Linda Mullen, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division

Read more about this meeting: Day 1 and Day 2

View the agenda here (PDF)

Overview
The unique ability to control the spatial structure of the amplitude and phase components, through spin angular momentum (SAM) or orbital angular momentum (OAM), results in novel techniques for a wide range of applications including sensing, imaging, optical manipulation, and communications.  Conversely, analysis of amplitude and phase components arising from the natural generation of SAM/OAM through certain media reveals insight into the dynamics and properties of the medium itself.
 
The understanding of the current potential for propagation of laser light utilizing OAM in turbulent fields (with large Rytov numbers) through media like long distance - low altitude maritime atmospheric conditions or in turbid undersea conditions is of high importance. These interests include both propagation for irradiance through potential beam break up and branching that might occur with adaptive optics utilizing Gaussian beam structures, as  well as beam coherence necessary for long range data communication. The ability to verify research based on experimental and theoretical studies on the effects of turbulence, scattering, non-linear phenomena, and transport media conditions will be discussed to determine if additional research in the field is sufficient - or requires additional study. 
 
The use of phase-structured light beams in general represent exciting new techniques for optical manipulation and sensing.  In order to exploit these unique optical properties, a greater fundamental understanding of OAM interaction with media at all scales is required. This understanding will lead to new methods in OAM generation and detection, and will reveal the uses of these modes for new and improved applications in remote sensing and communications. This Incubator aims to advance the study of this unique property of light.
 
Scope and Topics
The goal of this Incubator is to bring together researchers across government, industry, and academia to invigorate research and explore the potential of various OAM states in visible, near infrared and mid-infrared wavelengths of light.  The Incubator aims to discuss the latest research on OAM light wave generation and detection as well as its interaction with matter on the atomic, molecular, and bulk scales. 

Topics this Incubator aims to address include:

• New techniques for the generation and detection of unique optical modes (OAM, Bessel beams, Leguerre-Gauss beams, etc), including devices, materials, and systems.
• Interaction of OAM light waves on the atomic, molecular, and bulk scales.
• The propagation of OAM in the atmosphere and undersea, including experimental and theoretical studies on the effects of turbulence, scattering, non-linear phenomena, etc.  
• New applications, including remote sensing, LIDAR, optical communications, high-energy applications, and more.

 
A Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI), sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), is expected as a result of the Incubator.  MURI efforts involve teams of researchers investigating high priority topics and opportunities that intersect more than one traditional technical discipline. For many scientific problems, this multidisciplinary approach serves to stimulate innovations, accelerate research progress, and expedite transition of results to applications.