The caustics of Einstein beams: near-field patterns of coherent optical beams following gravitationally lensed trajectories

Enrique J. Galvez; Thao Nguyen; Jake M. Freedman

doi:10.1117/12.2607767

9 March 2022 The caustics of Einstein beams: near-field patterns of coherent optical beams following gravitationally lensed trajectories

Enrique J. Galvez, Thao Nguyen, Jake M. Freedman

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume PC12017, Complex Light and Optical Forces XVI; PC120170H (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2607767
Event: SPIE OPTO, 2022, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

We used spatial light modulation to deflect coherent light beams into trajectories specified by gravitational lensing. We programmed symmetric and asymmetric lensing objects, including adding orbital angular momentum. In the far field we observed Einstein rings and arcs for symmetric lensing objects, and various types of Einstein arcs for asymmetric lensing objects, similar to what is seen in astronomical observations. In the near field we observed the caustics produced by gravitational lensing, not possible in astronomical observations, which consisted of Bessel patterns for symmetric objects, and Mathieu-like patterns and astroids for asymmetric objects.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Enrique J. Galvez, Thao Nguyen, and Jake M. Freedman "The caustics of Einstein beams: near-field patterns of coherent optical beams following gravitationally lensed trajectories", Proc. SPIE PC12017, Complex Light and Optical Forces XVI, PC120170H (9 March 2022); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2607767

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