Transport model for the propagation of partially coherent, partially polarized, polarization-gradient vector beams.

Recently we predicted and experimentally validated a new physical mechanism for altering the propagation path of a monochromatic beam [Opt. Express30, 38907 (2022)OPEXFF1094-408710.1364/OE.

Vector beam bending via a polarization gradient.

We propose, analyze and demonstrate experimentally an entirely new optical effect in which the centroid of a coherent optical beam can be designed to propagate along a curved trajectory in free space by tailoring the spatial distribution of linear polarization across the transverse beam profile. Specifically, a non-zero spatial gradient of second order or higher in the linear state of polarization is shown to cause the beam centroid to "accelerate" in the direction transverse to the direction of propagation. The effect is confirmed experimentally using spatial light modulation to create the distribution in linear polarization and then measuring the transverse location of the beam profile at varying propagation distances.

Transport-based model for turbulence-corrupted imagery.

A new model for turbulence-corrupted imagery is proposed based on the theory of optimal mass transport. By describing the relationship between photon density and the phase of the traveling wave, and combining it with a least action principle, the model suggests a new class of methods for approximately recovering the solution of the photon density flow created by a turbulent atmosphere. Both coherent and incoherent imagery are used to validate and compare the model to other methods typically used to describe this type of data.

Distribution of splice loss in single mode optical fiber.

This work investigates a probabilistic model for splice loss in single mode optical fibers. We derive the probability density function for loss values as a function of lateral and angular misalignment. We then use observed data to estimate these model parameters; both Bayesian and maximum likelihood estimation procedures are described.

Moving off the grid in an experimental, compressively sampled photonic link.

Perhaps the largest obstacle to practical compressive sampling is an inability to accurately, and sparsely describe the data one seeks to recover due to poor choice of signal model parameters. In such cases the recovery process will yield artifacts, or in many cases, fail completely. This work represents the first demonstration of a solution to this so-called "off-grid" problem in an experimental, compressively sampled system.