Advances in Physics: X ( IF 6 ) Pub Date : 2020-11-08 , DOI: 10.1080/23746149.2020.1843535 Peng Li 1 , Xuyue Guo 1 , Jinzhan Zhong 1 , Sheng Liu 1 , Yi Zhang 2 , Bingyan Wei 1 , Jianlin Zhao 1
ABSTRACT
Vortices arise in many natural phenomena as dark points of total destructive interference. Sometimes they form continuous lines and even enclosed loops with knotted or linked topologies in three spatial dimensions. Since the mathematical topology was introduced into physics, from hydrodynamics, condensed matter physics to photonics, and other modern physical fields, scientists have been exploring the related topological essences of vortex knots; hence, the topology is a forefront topic in different physical systems. Owing to the reliability and observability of light in free space, optical vortex knots and links are the most studied physical topologies. Here, we review some of these developments with a focus on optical vortex knots and links. We first introduce the brief historical perspective and structural properties of optical vortices. Then, we trace the progress on the theoretically constructing, experimentally generating, and characterizing methods of topological light fields. Wherein, we review recent developments of holographic metasurfaces and their applications in generating ultrasmall optical vortex knots. At last, we envision the possible challenges and prospects of topological light fields.
中文翻译:
光学涡旋结和通过全息超表面的链接
摘要
在许多自然现象中,作为完全破坏性干扰的暗点,会出现涡旋。有时,它们会形成连续的线,甚至在三个空间维度上形成具有打结或链接拓扑的封闭环。自从数学拓扑被引入物理学以来,从流体力学,凝聚态物理学到光子学以及其他现代物理领域,科学家们一直在探索涡旋结的相关拓扑本质。因此,拓扑是不同物理系统中的头等大事。由于自由空间中光的可靠性和可观察性,光学涡旋结和链节是研究最多的物理拓扑。在这里,我们以光学涡旋结和链节为重点,回顾其中的一些发展。我们首先介绍光学旋涡的简要历史观点和结构特性。然后,我们追踪拓扑光场的理论构建,实验生成和表征方法的进展。其中,我们回顾了全息超颖表面的最新发展及其在产生超小型光学涡旋结中的应用。最后,我们展望了拓扑光场的可能挑战和前景。