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Fiber Optics and Optical Communications
Applications of weakly-coupled few-mode fibers [Invited] | On the Cover
Huiyuan Liu, He Wen, and Guifang Li
Space-division multiplexing (SDM) has attracted significant attention in recent years because larger transmission capacity is enabled by more degrees of freedom (DOFs) in few-mode fibers (FMFs) compared with single-mode fibers (SMFs). To transmit independent information on spatial modes without or with minor digital signal processing (DSP), weakly-coupled FMFs are preferred in various applications. Several cases with different use of spatial DOFs in weakly-coupled FMFs are demonstrated in this work, including single-mode or mode-group-multiplexed transmission, and spatial DOFs combined with time or frequency DOF to improve the system performance.Space-division multiplexing (SDM) has attracted significant attention in recent years because larger transmission capacity is enabled by more degrees of freedom (DOFs) in few-mode fibers (FMFs) compared with single-mode fibers (SMFs). To transmit independent information on spatial modes without or with minor digital signal processing (DSP), weakly-coupled FMFs are preferred in various applications. Several cases with different use of spatial DOFs in weakly-coupled FMFs are demonstrated in this work, including single-mode or mode-group-multiplexed transmission, and spatial DOFs combined with time or frequency DOF to improve the system performance..
Review of Optics: a virtual journal
- Publication Date: Apr. 10, 2020
- Vol. 18 Issue 4 040601 (2020)
Lasers and Laser Optics
Recent progress in multi-wavelength fiber lasers: principles, status, and challenges | Editors' Pick
Hualong Chen, Xiantao Jiang, Shixiang Xu, and Han Zhang
In recent years, multi-wavelength fiber lasers play a significant role in plenty of fields, ranging from optical communications to mechanical processing and laser biomedicine, owing to their high beam quality, low cost, and excellent heat dissipation properties. Benefitting from increasing maturity of optical elements, the multi-wavelength fiber laser has made rapid developments. In this review, we summarize and analyze diverse implementation methods covering continuous wave and pulsed fiber lasers at room temperature conditions: inserting an optical filter device and intensity-dependent loss structure in the resonant cavity, and applying ultrafast nonlinear optical response of materials and a dual-cavity structure. Finally, future challenges and perspectives of the multi-wavelength fiber laser are discussed and addressed.In recent years, multi-wavelength fiber lasers play a significant role in plenty of fields, ranging from optical communications to mechanical processing and laser biomedicine, owing to their high beam quality, low cost, and excellent heat dissipation properties. Benefitting from increasing maturity of optical elements, the multi-wavelength fiber laser has made rapid developments. In this review, we summarize and analyze diverse implementation methods covering continuous wave and pulsed fiber lasers at room temperature conditions: inserting an optical filter device and intensity-dependent loss structure in the resonant cavity, and applying ultrafast nonlinear optical response of materials and a dual-cavity structure. Finally, future challenges and perspectives of the multi-wavelength fiber laser are discussed and addressed..
Review of Optics: a virtual journal
- Publication Date: Apr. 10, 2020
- Vol. 18 Issue 4 041405 (2020)
Optical and Photonic Materials
Laser fabrication of graphene-based supercapacitors
Xiu-Yan Fu, Zhao-Di Chen, Dong-Dong Han, Yong-Lai Zhang, Hong Xia, and Hong-Bo Sun
Supercapacitors (SCs) have broad applications in wearable electronics (e.g., e-skin, robots). Recently, graphene-based supercapacitors (G-SCs) have attracted extensive attention for their excellent flexibility and electrochemical performance. Laser fabrication of G-SCs exhibits obvious superiority because of the simple procedures and integration compatibility with future electronics. Here, we comprehensively summarize the state-of-the-art advancements in laser-assisted preparation of G-SCs, including working mechanisms, fabrication procedures, and unique characteristics. In the working mechanism section, electric double-layer capacitors and pseudo-capacitors are introduced. The latest advancements in this field are comprehensively summarized, including laser reduction of graphene oxides, laser treatment of graphene prepared from chemical vapor deposition, and laser-induced graphene. In addition, the unique characteristics of laser-enabled G-SCs, such as structured graphene, graphene hybrids, and heteroatom doping graphene-related electrodes, are presented. Subsequently, laser-enabled miniaturized, stretchable, and integrated G-SCs are also discussed. It is anticipated that laser fabrication of G-SCs holds great promise for developing future energy storage devices.Supercapacitors (SCs) have broad applications in wearable electronics (e.g., e-skin, robots). Recently, graphene-based supercapacitors (G-SCs) have attracted extensive attention for their excellent flexibility and electrochemical performance. Laser fabrication of G-SCs exhibits obvious superiority because of the simple procedures and integration compatibility with future electronics. Here, we comprehensively summarize the state-of-the-art advancements in laser-assisted preparation of G-SCs, including working mechanisms, fabrication procedures, and unique characteristics. In the working mechanism section, electric double-layer capacitors and pseudo-capacitors are introduced. The latest advancements in this field are comprehensively summarized, including laser reduction of graphene oxides, laser treatment of graphene prepared from chemical vapor deposition, and laser-induced graphene. In addition, the unique characteristics of laser-enabled G-SCs, such as structured graphene, graphene hybrids, and heteroatom doping graphene-related electrodes, are presented. Subsequently, laser-enabled miniaturized, stretchable, and integrated G-SCs are also discussed. It is anticipated that laser fabrication of G-SCs holds great promise for developing future energy storage devices..
Review of Optics: a virtual journal
- Publication Date: Apr. 01, 2020
- Vol. 8 Issue 4 04000577 (2020)
Plasmonics and Metamaterials
Advancements in high refractive index media: from quantum coherence in atomic systems to deep sub-wavelength coupling in metamaterials [Invited]
Leena Singh, and Weili Zhang
Refractive index enhancement is crucial in the fields of lithography, imaging, optical communications, solar devices, and many more. We present a review of advancements in the process of designing high refractive index metamaterials, starting from quantum coupling and photonic bandgap materials to metamaterials utilizing deep subwavelength coupling to achieve ever-high values of refractive index. A particular attention is given to experimentally verified schemes in engineering a high index of refraction. The understanding of the evolution of material design from intrinsic electronic states manipulation to meta-atoms design is not only fascinating but also a prerequisite to developing successful devices and applications.Refractive index enhancement is crucial in the fields of lithography, imaging, optical communications, solar devices, and many more. We present a review of advancements in the process of designing high refractive index metamaterials, starting from quantum coupling and photonic bandgap materials to metamaterials utilizing deep subwavelength coupling to achieve ever-high values of refractive index. A particular attention is given to experimentally verified schemes in engineering a high index of refraction. The understanding of the evolution of material design from intrinsic electronic states manipulation to meta-atoms design is not only fascinating but also a prerequisite to developing successful devices and applications..
Review of Optics: a virtual journal
- Publication Date: Jun. 10, 2020
- Vol. 18 Issue 6 062401 (2020)
Quantum Optics and Quantum Information
Photonic discrete-time quantum walks [Invited] | On the Cover
Gaoyan Zhu, Lei Xiao, Bingzi Huo, and Peng Xue
Quantum walks, a counterpart of classical random walks, have many applications due to their neoteric features. Since they were first proposed, quantum walks have been explored in many fields theoretically and have also been demonstrated experimentally in various physical systems. In this paper, we review the experimental realizations of discrete-time quantum walks in photonic systems with different physical structures, such as bulk optics and time-multiplexed framework. Then, some typical applications using quantum walks are introduced. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of these physical systems are discussed.Quantum walks, a counterpart of classical random walks, have many applications due to their neoteric features. Since they were first proposed, quantum walks have been explored in many fields theoretically and have also been demonstrated experimentally in various physical systems. In this paper, we review the experimental realizations of discrete-time quantum walks in photonic systems with different physical structures, such as bulk optics and time-multiplexed framework. Then, some typical applications using quantum walks are introduced. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of these physical systems are discussed..
Review of Optics: a virtual journal
- Publication Date: May. 10, 2020
- Vol. 18 Issue 5 052701 (2020)
Reviews
Recent progress on optical rogue waves in fiber lasers: status, challenges, and perspectives
Yufeng Song, Zhenhong Wang, Cong Wang, Krassimir Panajotov, and Han Zhang
Rogue waves (RWs) are rare, extreme amplitude, localized wave packets, which have received much interest recently in different areas of physics. Fiber lasers with their abundant nonlinear dynamics provide an ideal platform to observe optical RW formation. We review recent research progress on rogue waves in fiber lasers. Basic concepts of RWs and the mechanisms of RW generation in fiber lasers are discussed, along with representative experimental and theoretical results. The measurement methods for RW identification in fiber lasers are presented and analyzed. Finally, prospects for future RW research in fiber lasers are summarized.Rogue waves (RWs) are rare, extreme amplitude, localized wave packets, which have received much interest recently in different areas of physics. Fiber lasers with their abundant nonlinear dynamics provide an ideal platform to observe optical RW formation. We review recent research progress on rogue waves in fiber lasers. Basic concepts of RWs and the mechanisms of RW generation in fiber lasers are discussed, along with representative experimental and theoretical results. The measurement methods for RW identification in fiber lasers are presented and analyzed. Finally, prospects for future RW research in fiber lasers are summarized..
Review of Optics: a virtual journal
- Publication Date: Apr. 09, 2020
- Vol. 2 Issue 2 024001 (2020)
Spatiotemporal rotational dynamics of laser-driven molecules
Kang Lin, Ilia Tutunnikov, Junyang Ma, Junjie Qiang, Lianrong Zhou, Olivier Faucher, Yehiam Prior, Ilya Sh. Averbukh, and Jian Wu
Molecular alignment and orientation by laser fields has attracted significant attention in recent years, mostly due to new capabilities to manipulate the molecular spatial arrangement. Molecules can now be efficiently prepared for ionization, structural imaging, orbital tomography, and more, enabling, for example, shooting of dynamic molecular movies. Furthermore, molecular alignment and orientation processes give rise to fundamental quantum and classical phenomena like quantum revivals, Anderson localization, and rotational echoes, just to mention a few. We review recent progress on the visualization, coherent control, and applications of the rich dynamics of molecular rotational wave packets driven by laser pulses of various intensities, durations, and polarizations. In particular, we focus on the molecular unidirectional rotation and its visualization, the orientation of chiral molecules, and the three-dimensional orientation of asymmetric-top molecules. Rotational echoes are discussed as an example of nontrivial dynamics and detection of prepared molecular states.Molecular alignment and orientation by laser fields has attracted significant attention in recent years, mostly due to new capabilities to manipulate the molecular spatial arrangement. Molecules can now be efficiently prepared for ionization, structural imaging, orbital tomography, and more, enabling, for example, shooting of dynamic molecular movies. Furthermore, molecular alignment and orientation processes give rise to fundamental quantum and classical phenomena like quantum revivals, Anderson localization, and rotational echoes, just to mention a few. We review recent progress on the visualization, coherent control, and applications of the rich dynamics of molecular rotational wave packets driven by laser pulses of various intensities, durations, and polarizations. In particular, we focus on the molecular unidirectional rotation and its visualization, the orientation of chiral molecules, and the three-dimensional orientation of asymmetric-top molecules. Rotational echoes are discussed as an example of nontrivial dynamics and detection of prepared molecular states..
Review of Optics: a virtual journal
- Publication Date: Apr. 11, 2020
- Vol. 2 Issue 2 024002 (2020)
Advances in soliton microcomb generation
Weiqiang Wang, Leiran Wang, and Wenfu Zhang
Optical frequency combs, a revolutionary light source characterized by discrete and equally spaced frequencies, are usually regarded as a cornerstone for advanced frequency metrology, precision spectroscopy, high-speed communication, distance ranging, molecule detection, and many others. Due to the rapid development of micro/nanofabrication technology, breakthroughs in the quality factor of microresonators enable ultrahigh energy buildup inside cavities, which gives birth to microcavity-based frequency combs. In particular, the full coherent spectrum of the soliton microcomb (SMC) provides a route to low-noise ultrashort pulses with a repetition rate over two orders of magnitude higher than that of traditional mode-locking approaches. This enables lower power consumption and cost for a wide range of applications. This review summarizes recent achievements in SMCs, including the basic theory and physical model, as well as experimental techniques for single-soliton generation and various extraordinary soliton states (soliton crystals, Stokes solitons, breathers, molecules, cavity solitons, and dark solitons), with a perspective on their potential applications and remaining challenges.Optical frequency combs, a revolutionary light source characterized by discrete and equally spaced frequencies, are usually regarded as a cornerstone for advanced frequency metrology, precision spectroscopy, high-speed communication, distance ranging, molecule detection, and many others. Due to the rapid development of micro/nanofabrication technology, breakthroughs in the quality factor of microresonators enable ultrahigh energy buildup inside cavities, which gives birth to microcavity-based frequency combs. In particular, the full coherent spectrum of the soliton microcomb (SMC) provides a route to low-noise ultrashort pulses with a repetition rate over two orders of magnitude higher than that of traditional mode-locking approaches. This enables lower power consumption and cost for a wide range of applications. This review summarizes recent achievements in SMCs, including the basic theory and physical model, as well as experimental techniques for single-soliton generation and various extraordinary soliton states (soliton crystals, Stokes solitons, breathers, molecules, cavity solitons, and dark solitons), with a perspective on their potential applications and remaining challenges..
Review of Optics: a virtual journal
- Publication Date: Jun. 19, 2020
- Vol. 2 Issue 3 034001 (2020)
Laser produced electromagnetic pulses: generation, detection and mitigation
Fabrizio Consoli, Vladimir T. Tikhonchuk, Matthieu Bardon, Philip Bradford, David C. Carroll, Jakub Cikhardt, Mattia Cipriani, Robert J. Clarke, Thomas E. Cowan, Colin N. Danson, Riccardo De Angelis, Massimo De Marco, Jean-Luc Dubois, Bertrand Etchessahar, Alejandro Laso Garcia, David I. Hillier, Ales Honsa, Weiman Jiang, Viliam Kmetik, Josef Krása, Yutong Li, Frédéric Lubrano, Paul McKenna, Josefine Metzkes-Ng, Alexandre Poyé, Irene Prencipe, Piotr Ra?czka, Roland A. Smith, Roman Vrana, Nigel C. Woolsey, Egle Zemaityte, Yihang Zhang, Zhe Zhang, Bernhard Zielbauer, and David Neely
This paper provides an up-to-date review of the problems related to the generation, detection and mitigation of strong electromagnetic pulses created in the interaction of high-power, high-energy laser pulses with different types of solid targets. It includes new experimental data obtained independently at several international laboratories. The mechanisms of electromagnetic field generation are analyzed and considered as a function of the intensity and the spectral range of emissions they produce. The major emphasis is put on the GHz frequency domain, which is the most damaging for electronics and may have important applications. The physics of electromagnetic emissions in other spectral domains, in particular THz and MHz, is also discussed. The theoretical models and numerical simulations are compared with the results of experimental measurements, with special attention to the methodology of measurements and complementary diagnostics. Understanding the underlying physical processes is the basis for developing techniques to mitigate the electromagnetic threat and to harness electromagnetic emissions, which may have promising applications.This paper provides an up-to-date review of the problems related to the generation, detection and mitigation of strong electromagnetic pulses created in the interaction of high-power, high-energy laser pulses with different types of solid targets. It includes new experimental data obtained independently at several international laboratories. The mechanisms of electromagnetic field generation are analyzed and considered as a function of the intensity and the spectral range of emissions they produce. The major emphasis is put on the GHz frequency domain, which is the most damaging for electronics and may have important applications. The physics of electromagnetic emissions in other spectral domains, in particular THz and MHz, is also discussed. The theoretical models and numerical simulations are compared with the results of experimental measurements, with special attention to the methodology of measurements and complementary diagnostics. Understanding the underlying physical processes is the basis for developing techniques to mitigate the electromagnetic threat and to harness electromagnetic emissions, which may have promising applications..
Review of Optics: a virtual journal
- Publication Date: Jun. 09, 2020
- Vol. 8 Issue 2 02000e22 (2020)
About the Cover
Review of Optics: a virtual journal, started in 2019, is a virtual review journal, and it contains high-quality review articles from journals that published by Chinese Laser Press independently or along with its partners. Review of Optics is published quarterly. It aims to provide readers an alternative way to quickly look through high quality review papers. The scope of Review of Optics covers the full area of optics and photonics and relevant interdisciplinary topics, and meanwhile is in accordance with its source journals: Advanced Photonics, Chinese Optics Letters, High Power Laser Science and engineering and Photonics Research.