Yahong Chen

Bio: Yahong Chen is an academic researcher from Soochow University (Suzhou). The author has contributed to research in topics: Beam (structure) & Coherence (physics). The author has an hindex of 19, co-authored 66 publications receiving 1300 citations. Previous affiliations of Yahong Chen include University of Eastern Finland & Shandong Normal University.

Generation and propagation of partially coherent beams with nonconventional correlation functions: a review [invited].

Abstract: Partially coherent beams with nonconventional correlation functions have displayed many extraordinary properties, such as self-focusing and self-splitting, which are totally different from those of partially coherent beams with conventional Gaussian correlated Schell-model functions and are useful in many applications, such as optical trapping, free-space optical communications, and material thermal processing. In this paper, we present a review of recent developments on generation and propagation of partially coherent beams with nonconventional correlation functions.

Generation and propagation of a partially coherent vector beam with special correlation functions

Abstract: We introduce a general optical system for synthesis of partially coherent vector beams with a variety of correlation functions. In particular we employ it for generation of the family of beams, termed the specially correlated radially polarized (SCRP) beams and examine their free-space propagation both theoretically and experimentally. Our results clearly show that a SCRP beam exhibits unique features on propagation in comparison with those of beams with conventional correlation functions. The technique for modulation of the correlation functions and, hence, the coherence state of a SCRP beam in the source plane leads to efficient control of its intensity distribution and its degree of polarization on propagation, which is of importance in particle trapping and material thermal processing applications.

Self-splitting properties of a Hermite-Gaussian correlated Schell-model beam

Abstract: We introduce one kind of partially coherent beam with a nonconventional correlation function named the Hermite-Gaussian correlated Schell-model (HGCSM) beam. It is found that a HGCSM beam exhibits self-splitting properties on propagation in free space, i.e., the initial single beam spot evolves into two or four beam spots in the far field depending on the initial beam orders, which are closely related to the beam width and coherence widths of the HGCSM beam, and a focused HGCSM beam exhibits splitting and combining properties near the focal plane. Furthermore, we report experimental generation of a HGCSM beam and demonstrate splitting and combining properties of a focused HGCSM beam in experiment. The phenomenon of correlation-induced self-splitting will be useful for attacking multiple targets, trapping multiple particles, and guiding atoms.

Generation of Partially Coherent Beams

Abstract: Partially coherent beams with a prescribed phase, state of polarization, and degree of coherence display many extraordinary propagation properties and are preferred in many applications, such as particle trapping, free-space optical communications, remote sensing, optical imaging, material thermal processing, image transformation, and optical encryption. In this review, we begin with describing conventional Gaussian Schell-model beams and partially coherent beams with prescribed phases, states of polarization, and degrees of coherence. Then we introduce theoretical models for various partially coherent beams and the methods for generating them. Finally, a brief summary is presented.

Experimental demonstration of a Laguerre-Gaussian correlated Schell-model vortex beam.

Abstract: Laguerre-Gaussian correlated Schell-model (LGCSM) vortex beam is introduced as an extension of LGCSM beam which was proposed [Opt. Lett.38, 91 (2013)Opt. Lett.38, 1814 (2013)] just recently. Explicit formula for a LGCSM vortex beam propagating through a stigmatic ABCD optical system is derived, and the propagation properties of such beam in free space and the focusing properties of such beam are studied numerically. Furthermore, we carry out experimental generation of a LGCSM vortex beam, and studied its focusing properties. It is found that the propagation and focusing properties of a LGCSM vortex beam are different from that of a LGCSM beam, and we can shape the beam profile of a LGCSM vortex at the focal plane (or in the far field) by varying its initial spatial coherence. Our experimental results are consistent with the theoretical predictions, and our results will be useful for particle trapping.

Generation and propagation of partially coherent beams with nonconventional correlation functions: a review [invited].

Abstract: Partially coherent beams with nonconventional correlation functions have displayed many extraordinary properties, such as self-focusing and self-splitting, which are totally different from those of partially coherent beams with conventional Gaussian correlated Schell-model functions and are useful in many applications, such as optical trapping, free-space optical communications, and material thermal processing. In this paper, we present a review of recent developments on generation and propagation of partially coherent beams with nonconventional correlation functions.

Propagation of Partially Coherent Beam in Turbulent Atmosphere: a Review (Invited Review)

Abstract: Partially coherent beam is preferred in many applications, such as free-space optical communications, remote sensing, active laser radar systems, etc., due to its resistance to the deleterious effects of atmospheric turbulence. In this paper, after presenting a historical overview on propagation of optical beams in turbulent atmosphere, we describe the basic theory for treating the propagation of optical beams in turbulent atmosphere and we mainly introduce recent theoretical and experimental developments on propagation of partially coherent beam in turbulent atmosphere. Recent progress on the interaction of a partially coherent beam with a semirough target in turbulent atmosphere and the corresponding inverse problem are also reviewed.

Experimental generation of cosine-Gaussian-correlated Schell-model beams with rectangular symmetry

Abstract: Cosine-Gaussian-correlated Schell-model sources whose degree of coherence (DOC) is of circular symmetry have been introduced just recently [Opt. Lett.38, 2578 (2013)]. In this Letter, we propose a model for a source whose DOC is the superposition of two 1D cosine-Gaussian-correlated Schell-model sources, i.e., possesses rectangular symmetry. The novel model sources and beams they generate are termed rectangular cosine-Gaussian Schell-model (RCGSM). The RCGSM beam exhibits unique features on propagation, e.g., its intensity in the far field (or in the focal plane) displays a four-beamlet array profile, being qualitatively different from the ring-shaped profile of the CGSM beam whose DOC is of circular symmetry. Furthermore, we have carried out experimental generation of the proposed beam and measured its focusing properties. Our experimental results are consistent with the theoretical predictions.

Generation of perfect vortex and vector beams based on Pancharatnam-Berry phase elements

Abstract: Perfect vortex beams are the orbital angular momentum (OAM)-carrying beams with fixed annular intensities, which provide a better source of OAM than traditional Laguerre-Gaussian beams. However, ordinary schemes to obtain the perfect vortex beams are usually bulky and unstable. We demonstrate here a novel generation scheme by designing planar Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) phase elements to replace all the elements required. Different from the conventional approaches based on reflective or refractive elements, PB phase elements can dramatically reduce the occupying volume of system. Moreover, the PB phase element scheme is easily developed to produce the perfect vector beams. Therefore, our scheme may provide prominent vortex and vector sources for integrated optical communication and micromanipulation systems.