We review the field of cavity optomechanics, which explores the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and nano- or micromechanical motion This review covers the basics of optical cavities and mechanical resonators, their mutual optomechanical interaction mediated by the radiation pressure force, the large variety of experimental systems which exhibit this interaction, optical measurements of mechanical motion, dynamical backaction amplification and cooling, nonlinear dynamics, multimode optomechanics, and proposals for future cavity quantum optomechanics experiments In addition, we describe the perspectives for fundamental quantum physics and for possible applications of optomechanical devices

Cavity Optomechanics

Photonic crystal fibers guide light by corralling it within a periodic array of microscopic air holes that run along the entire fiber length Largely through their ability to overcome the limitations of conventional fiber optics—for example, by permitting low-loss guidance of light in a hollow core—these fibers are proving to have a multitude of important technological and scientific applications spanning many disciplines The result has been a renaissance of interest in optical fibers and their uses

https://science.sciencemag.org/content/sci/299/5605/358.full.pdf

Photonic crystal fibers

A fast-Fourier-transform method of topography and interferometry is proposed. By computer processing of a noncontour type of fringe pattern, automatic discrimination is achieved between elevation and depression of the object or wave-front form, which has not been possible by the fringe-contour-generation techniques. The method has advantages over moire topography and conventional fringe-contour interferometry in both accuracy and sensitivity. Unlike fringe-scanning techniques, the method is easy to apply because it uses no moving components.

Fourier-transform method of fringe-pattern analysis for computer-based topography and interferometry

We review the recent developments in the area of optical fiber grating sensors, including quasi-distributed strain sensing using Bragg gratings, systems based on chirped gratings, intragrating sensing concepts, long period-based grating sensors, fiber grating laser-based systems, and interferometric sensor systems based on grating reflectors.

Fiber grating sensors

A topical review of numerical and experimental studies of supercontinuum generation in photonic crystal fiber is presented over the full range of experimentally reported parameters, from the femtosecond to the continuous-wave regime. Results from numerical simulations are used to discuss the temporal and spectral characteristics of the supercontinuum, and to interpret the physics of the underlying spectral broadening processes. Particular attention is given to the case of supercontinuum generation seeded by femtosecond pulses in the anomalous group velocity dispersion regime of photonic crystal fiber, where the processes of soliton fission, stimulated Raman scattering, and dispersive wave generation are reviewed in detail. The corresponding intensity and phase stability properties of the supercontinuum spectra generated under different conditions are also discussed.

Supercontinuum generation in photonic crystal fiber

Mode-locked lasers have been widely used to explore interactions between optical solitons, including bound-soliton states that may be regarded as "photonic molecules". Conventional mode-locked lasers can however host at most only a few solitons, which means that stochastic behaviour involving large numbers of solitons cannot easily be studied under controlled experimental conditions. Here we report the use of an optoacoustically mode-locked fibre laser to create hundreds of temporal traps or "reactors" within which multiple solitons can be isolated and controlled both globally and individually. We achieve on-demand synthesis and dissociation of soliton molecules within these parallel reactors, in this way unfolding a novel panorama of diverse dynamics in which the statistics of multi-soliton interactions can be studied. The results are of potential importance in all-optical information processing and in the control of ultrafast pulsed lasers.

Massively parallel optical-soliton reactors

Photonic crystal fiber (PCF) is a single-material all-silica structure. Initially proposed by the author in 1991, the first working example was reported at the Optical Fiber Communications Conference in 1996. In place of the conventional core and cladding, an array of microscopic air holes runs along the entire length of the fiber. Depending on the design, light can be trapped by two distinct mechanisms: a modified form of total internal reflection (at a filled-in hole) or by a photonic bandgap (e.g., at an enlarged hole). These unconventional fibers have led to a series of breakthroughs that is radically enhancing the performance of optical fibers. The disruptive implications of the new technology are just beginning to be worked out.

Making light work in photonic crystals

Scalar modulation instability has been demonstrated in the normal dispersion regime using a PCF leading to efficient upconversion of a red pump to wavelengths throughout the visible.

Scalar modulation instability near zero GVD using a PCF

DUV-pumped hydrogen-filled kagome-PCF displays coherent Raman gain suppression at much higher values of dephasing than for visible pumping. This will impair the performance of gas-based Raman amplifiers and lasers, especially at higher pump powers.

Coherent Raman gain suppression in a gas-filled hollow-core PCF pumped in the deep ultraviolet

We review our work on laser propulsion of microparticles and red blood cells in hollow-core photonic crystal fiber. A recently discovered optothermal trapping mechanism based on optically induced thermal creep flow is discussed.

Philip St. J. Russell

Papers

Massively parallel optical-soliton reactors

Making light work in photonic crystals

Scalar modulation instability near zero GVD using a PCF

Coherent Raman gain suppression in a gas-filled hollow-core PCF pumped in the deep ultraviolet

Laser Propulsion of Particles and Cells in Hollow-Core Photonic Crystal Fiber