Three-dimensional Self-similar Fractal Light in Canonical Resonators

Miller, S. W., Nelson, J. and Courtial, J. (2014) Three-dimensional Self-similar Fractal Light in Canonical Resonators. In: Laser Beam Shaping XV, San Diego, CA, USA, 17-19 Aug 2014, 91940Z. (doi: 10.1117/12.2061410)

Abstract

Unstable canonical resonators can possess eigenmodes with a fractal intensity structure [Karman et al., Nature 402, 138(1999)]. In one particular transverse plane, the intensity is not merely statistically fractal, but self-similar [Courtial and Padgett, PRL 85, 5320 (2000)]. This can be explained using a combination of diffraction and imaging with magnification greater than one. Here we show that the same mechanism also shapes the intensity cross-section in the longitudinal direction into a self-similar fractal, but with a different magnification. This results in three-dimensional, self-similar, fractal intensity structure in the eigenmodes.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Courtial, Dr Johannes and Nelson, Mr John
• Authors: Miller, S. W., Nelson, J., and Courtial, J.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
• ISSN: 0277-786X
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2014 SPIE
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher