Extreme localization of light
Extreme localization of light using tightly focused ultrashort laser pulses is of fundamental importance for numerous applications, including laser micro- nano-machining of materials, studies of warm dense matter, the observation of exciting new material states and secondary sources (like THz) at the micro- nano-scale. Simulations though of such extreme systems proved to be until today a tedious and unrealistic task. We have found a way to access these complex problems through a robust and elegant approach, which is based on transformation optics, and where we simply map the problem to one that can be solved with scalar wave equations. Our solution is expected to enable access to challenging problems that were until now practically inaccessible. More information in:
- Y. Fedorov, M. Chanal, D. Grojo, and S. Tzortzakis, "Accessing Extreme Spatiotemporal Localization of High-Power Laser Radiation through Transformation Optics and Scalar Wave Equations,"
Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 043902 (2016).