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How scientists made the world play by its own rules.
A recently published study in the journal Nature Physics presents a groundbreaking method for controlling and capturing light waves based on the exotic properties of Lagrange points. Scientists from the University of Southern California have discovered that these points, which control the orbits of primary celestial bodies, can play a key role in the direction of optical waves.
Lagrange points, named after an outstanding mathematician, are positions in space where the gravitational force of two bodies in a system (for example, the Sun and Jupiter) creates enhanced zones of attraction and repulsion. Researchers Mercedeh Hajavikhan and Demetrios N. Christodoulides note that their work focuses on the unique properties of these points.
During the experiments, a compact system was created that simulates the properties of Lagrange points observed in the orbits of Trojan-type asteroids. The system included a spiral iron wire inserted into a medium with a temperature-dependent refractive index. By heating this medium with a wire, the researchers were able to form a so-called Trojan optical beam.
Interestingly, the researchers found that it is possible to control and capture optical rays in this medium with a defocusing refractive index, which was previously considered impossible. They note that the optical beam is captured in completely inconspicuous areas where there are no traditional waveguide structures.
This discovery may lead to the development of new techniques for directing optical waves in unusual environments where traditional approaches are ineffective, such as in liquids and gases. In addition, scientists are considering the possibility of using Trojan beams in amplifying (laser) systems and implementing the technique in other areas of physics, such as the control of acoustic waves or ultracold atoms.
In the future, it is planned to study the possibility of controlling light in acoustic waves in both liquid and gaseous media. Especially interesting will be the observation of the capture and transport of dielectric micro-and nanoparticles in Lagrangian waveguides using optical traction beams, where several Lagrange points can be evoked — an aspect impossible in celestial mechanics.
A recently published study in the journal Nature Physics presents a groundbreaking method for controlling and capturing light waves based on the exotic properties of Lagrange points. Scientists from the University of Southern California have discovered that these points, which control the orbits of primary celestial bodies, can play a key role in the direction of optical waves.
Lagrange points, named after an outstanding mathematician, are positions in space where the gravitational force of two bodies in a system (for example, the Sun and Jupiter) creates enhanced zones of attraction and repulsion. Researchers Mercedeh Hajavikhan and Demetrios N. Christodoulides note that their work focuses on the unique properties of these points.
During the experiments, a compact system was created that simulates the properties of Lagrange points observed in the orbits of Trojan-type asteroids. The system included a spiral iron wire inserted into a medium with a temperature-dependent refractive index. By heating this medium with a wire, the researchers were able to form a so-called Trojan optical beam.
Interestingly, the researchers found that it is possible to control and capture optical rays in this medium with a defocusing refractive index, which was previously considered impossible. They note that the optical beam is captured in completely inconspicuous areas where there are no traditional waveguide structures.
This discovery may lead to the development of new techniques for directing optical waves in unusual environments where traditional approaches are ineffective, such as in liquids and gases. In addition, scientists are considering the possibility of using Trojan beams in amplifying (laser) systems and implementing the technique in other areas of physics, such as the control of acoustic waves or ultracold atoms.
In the future, it is planned to study the possibility of controlling light in acoustic waves in both liquid and gaseous media. Especially interesting will be the observation of the capture and transport of dielectric micro-and nanoparticles in Lagrangian waveguides using optical traction beams, where several Lagrange points can be evoked — an aspect impossible in celestial mechanics.
