Leach, J., Dennis, M. R., Courtial, J. and Padgett, M. J. (2004) Laser beams: knotted threads of darkness. Nature, 432(7014), p. 165. (doi: 10.1038/432165a)
Full text not currently available from Enlighten.
Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/432165a
Abstract
Dark lines within a laser beam can be manipulated to form stable vortex knots. Destructive interference may lead to complete cancellation when light waves travelling in different directions cross, and in three-dimensional space this occurs along lines that are vortices of electromagnetic energy flow. Here we confirm theoretical predictions by experimentally creating combinations of optical laser beams in which these dark threads form stable loops that are linked and knotted.
Item Type: | Articles |
---|---|
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Courtial, Dr Johannes and Padgett, Professor Miles and Leach, Mr Jonathan |
Authors: | Leach, J., Dennis, M. R., Courtial, J., and Padgett, M. J. |
Subjects: | Q Science > QC Physics |
College/School: | College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy |
Journal Name: | Nature |
Publisher: | Nature Publishing Group |
ISSN: | 0028-0836 |
ISSN (Online): | 1476-4687 |
Published Online: | 10 November 2004 |
University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record