On the asymptotic evolution of finite energy Airy wavefunctions

In general, there is an inverse relation between the degree of localization of a wavefunction of a certain class and its transform representation dictated by the scaling property of the Fourier transform. We report that in the case of finite energy Airy wavepackets a simultaneous increase in their localization in the direct and transform domains can be obtained as the apodization parameter is varied. One consequence of this is that the far field diffraction rate of a finite energy Airy beam decreases as the beam localization at the launch plane increases. We analyse the asymptotic properties of finite energy Airy wavefunctions using the stationary phase method. We obtain one dominant contribution to the long term evolution that admits a Gaussian-like approximation, which displays the expected reduction of its broadening rate as the input localization is increased

Ballistic Dynamics Of Airy Beams

We demonstrate both theoretically and experimentally that optical Airy beams propagating in free space can perform ballistic dynamics akin to those of projectiles moving under the action of gravity. The parabolic trajectories of these beams as well as the motion of their center of gravity were observed in good agreement with theory. The possibility of circumventing an obstacle placed in the path of the Airy beam is discussed. © 2008 Optical Society of America

Self-Healing Of Optical Airy Beams

We report the first observation of self-reconstructing Airy optical beams. It is demonstrated that these accelerating Airy beams can re-form along propagation. The robustness of their intensity features in adverse environments will be discussed. © 2008 Optical Society of America

Observation Of Accelerating Airy Beams

We report the first observation of Airy optical beams. These wavepackets have been realized in both one- and two-dimensional configurations. It is demonstrated experimentally that these non-diffracting Airy beams tend to freely accelerate during propagation. © 2007 Optical Society of America

Observation Of Accelerating Airy Beam Ballistics

We demonstrate experimentally that Airy beams can perform ballistic dynamics in a way totally analogous to that of projectiles moving under the action of gravity. The possibility of circumventing opaque obstacles is discussed. © 2008 Optical Society of America

Observation Of Accelerating Airy Beams

We report the first observation of Airy optical beams. This intriguing class of wave packets, initially predicted by Berry and Balazs in 1979, has been realized in both one- and two-dimensional configurations. As demonstrated in our experiments, these Airy beams can exhibit unusual features such as the ability to remain diffraction-free over long distances while they tend to freely accelerate during propagation. © 2007 The American Physical Society

Anomalous Optical Force Fields Around High-Contrast Subwavelength Nanowaveguides

We show that anomalous-even repulsive-force fields can be induced around highcontrast optical nanowaveguides. Interestingly the longitudinal scattering force attains a maximum value even within regions where the Poynting vector is negative. © 2010 Optical Society of America

Anomalous Optical Force Fields Around High-Contrast Subwavelength Nanowaveguides

We show that anomalous-even repulsive-force fields can be induced around high-contrast optical nanowaveguides. Interestingly the longitudinal scattering force attains a maximum value even within regions where the Poynting vector is negative. ©2010 Optical Society of America

Cross-Phase Modulation In Algaas Photonic Nanowires

Cross-Phase modulation (XPM) is investigated in AlGaAs nanowires by way of crosspolarised co-propagating pulses. A XPM to SPM (Self-Phase Modulation) ratio of 0.92 is determined at 1557 nm. © 2007 Optical Society of America

Discrete Quadratic Interface Solitons

We report the first experimental observation of discrete quadratic interface solitons existing at the edge of a PPLN waveguide array. Both in-phase and staggered discrete surface solitons were observed. © 2006 Optical Society of America