Physicists Unveil Novel Structured Light: Optical Rotatum

Quick Summary:

• Harvard physicists discovered a new behavior of light called optical rotatum, wich follows a logarithmic spiral pattern, similar to natural formations like seashells and galaxies.
• This structured light beam changes its orbital angular momentum during propagation and introduces spatial torque.
• The study utilized a metasurface with nanostructures to generate this beam using low-intensity light and industry-compatible technology.
• Potential applications include manipulating small particles (e.g.,colloids in suspension) using precise optical forces and creating advanced optical tweezers for micro-manipulation.
• The research expands possibilities in fields such as light-matter interaction, communications, sensing, condensed matter physics, and Bose-Einstein condensates.

Image:
!Optical Rotatum Evolution
evolution of a light beam carrying optical rotatum as a function of propagation distance. Image credit: Dorrah et al., doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adr9092.

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Indian Opinion Analysis:

The discovery of the optical rotatum enriches ongoing global advancements in photonics. India’s focus on high-tech innovation makes this an area worth exploring for its far-reaching implications across industries including healthcare, materials science, interaction technologies, and nanotechnology.For example, the potential use cases-such as precise manipulation tools-could aid Indian research institutions developing novel solutions for micro-engineering or lab-on-a-chip devices.

India’s burgeoning optics sector may find inspiration not only from the method’s low-cost feasibility but also its alignment with applied mathematical principles like Fibonacci sequences deeply embedded in nature. Collaborative research opportunities could emerge internationally between Indian scientists and innovations from Harvard University to accelerate domestic adoption in fields ranging from particle manipulation to quantum technologies.

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