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Title: Einstein beams: optical beams following gravitationally lensed trajectories
We use a spatial light modulator (SLM) to mimic the e ect of gravity and steer the light from a laser to observe Einstein rings with a laboratory camera. The derived programming of the phase of the SLM follows a logarithmic dependence with impact parameter. As expected, we also observe arcs when the source and lensing object are not in line with the observer. Measurements for distinct parameters are consistent with the expectations. The coherent optical beams that are programmed to follow gravitational lensing trajectories have a transverse mode consistent with Bessel functions, yet they do not exhibit the non-di racting properties of Bessel beams: they expand linearly with the propagation distance. The addition of a vortex phase also produces patterns that coincide with Bessel modes of order given by the topological charge of the vortex.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2011937
PAR ID:
10253378
Author(s) / Creator(s):
;
Editor(s):
Andrews, David L.; Galvez, Enrique J.; Rubinsztein-Dunlop, Halina
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Complex Light and Optical Forces XV
Volume:
11701
Page Range / eLocation ID:
24
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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