Light Modes of Free Space

Uri Levy, Stanislav Derevyanko, Yaron Silberberg

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

82 Scopus citations

Abstract

A surprisingly large number of known distinct sets of light patterns propagate in free space essentially unchanged. These sets of light patterns (intensity distributions of the electric-magnetic fields) can be divided into two groups: light Waves and light Beams. Wave sets are solutions of the exact Helmholtz equation (HE). Beam sets are solutions of the paraxial HE. The sets of Waves and Beams can be further classified according to the coordinate system to which they belong.All sets are complete and orthogonal such that any square integrable input field can be decomposed into a linear superposition of the set's functions.We classify the patterns, present the solution equations and display sample patterns for each of 4 Wave sets and each of 14 Beam sets.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProgress in Optics
PublisherElsevier B.V.
Pages237-281
Number of pages45
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2016
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameProgress in Optics
Volume61
ISSN (Print)0079-6638

Keywords

  • Diffraction
  • Free space propagation
  • Optical waves
  • Wave propagation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Surfaces and Interfaces

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Light Modes of Free Space'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this