New propagation regimes for light arise from the ability to tune dielectric permittivity extremely low values. Here, we demonstrate a universal approach based on linear values attained in ε-near-zero (ENZ) regime enhancing nonlinear refractive index, which enables remarkable light-induced changes of material properties. Experiments performed Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films show sixfold increase Kerr index (n_{2}) at ENZ wavelength, located 1300 nm region. This turn leads ultrafast order unity,...

Low-frequency currents induced by ultrashort laser-driven ionization can emit extremely broadband, single-cycle terahertz pulses. We present a model that predicts strong wavelength dependence of the THz emission in good agreement with our experimental study. This reveals combined effects plasma rising proportionally to square pump and wavelength-dependent focusing conditions lead 30 times higher at 1800 nm compared an 800 wavelength. Unrivaled electric field strengths 4.4 MV/cm are achieved...

Event horizons of astrophysical black holes and gravitational analogues have been predicted to excite the quantum vacuum give rise emission quanta, known as Hawking radiation. We experimentally create such a analogue using ultrashort laser pulse filaments our measurements demonstrate spontaneous photons that confirms theoretical predictions.

In supercontinuum generation, various propagation effects combine to produce a dramatic spectral broadening of intense ultrashort optical pulses. With host applications, sources are often required possess range properties such as coverage from the ultraviolet across visible and into infrared, shot-to-shot repeatability, high energy density an absence complicated pulse splitting. Here we present all-in-one solution, first in bulk homogeneous material extending 450 nm mid-infrared. The...

Abstract The ability to record images with extreme temporal resolution enables a diverse range of applications, such as fluorescence lifetime imaging, time-of-flight depth imaging and characterization ultrafast processes. Recently, schemes have emerged, which require either long acquisition times or raster scanning requirement for sufficient signal that can only be achieved when light is reflected off an object diffused by strongly scattering medium. Here we present demonstration the...

The technologies of heating, photovoltaics, water photocatalysis and artificial photosynthesis depend on the absorption light novel approaches such as coherent from a standing wave promise total dissipation energy. Extending control down to very low levels eventually single photon regime is great interest yet remains largely unexplored. Here we demonstrate photons in deeply sub-wavelength 50% absorber. We show that while travelling probabilistic, can be observed deterministically, with...

Adaptive optics (AO) has revolutionized imaging in fields from astronomy to microscopy by correcting optical aberrations. In label-free microscopes, however, conventional AO faces limitations because of the absence a guide star and need select an optimization metric specific sample process. Here, we propose approach leveraging correlations between entangled photons directly correct point spread function. This star–free method is independent specimen modality. We demonstrate biological...

The precise observation of the angle-frequency spectrum light filaments in water reveals a scenario incompatible with current models conical emission (CE). Its description terms linear X-wave modes leads us to understand filamentation dynamics requiring phase- and group-matched, Kerr-driven four-wave-mixing process that involves two highly localized pumps X waves. CE temporal splitting arise naturally as manifestations this process.

That the speed of light in free space is constant a cornerstone modern physics. However, beams have finite transverse size, which leads to modification their wavevectors resulting change phase and group velocities. We study velocity single photons by measuring arrival time that results from changing beam's spatial structure. Using time-correlated photon pairs we show reduction both Bessel beam focused Gaussian beam. In cases, delay several microns over propagation distance order 1 m. Our...

In contrast with filamentation of ultrashort laser pulses standard Gaussian beams in Kerr media, three different types Bessel filaments are obtained air or water by focusing an axicon. We thoroughly investigate the regimes and show that beam reshapes as a nonlinear which establishes conical energy flux from low intensity tails toward high peak. This efficiently sustains long-distance propagation easily generates continuous plasma channel air.

Abstract The physics of strong-field applications requires driver laser pulses that are both energetic and extremely short. Whereas optical amplifiers, parametric, boost the energy, their gain bandwidth restricts attainable pulse duration, requiring additional nonlinear spectral broadening to enable few or even single cycle compression a corresponding peak power increase. Here we demonstrate, in mid-infrared wavelength range is important for scaling ponderomotive energy interactions, simple...

We demonstrate the existence of an additional class stationary accelerating Airy wave forms that exist in presence third-order (Kerr) nonlinearity and nonlinear losses. Numerical simulations experiments, agreement with analytical model, highlight how these solutions sustain evolution beams. The generic nature solution allows extension results to other settings, a variety applications are suggested.

We demonstrate that laser beam shaping can be used to precisely control an electric discharge trail, avoiding or bypassing obstacles in the line of sight.

Materials with a spatially uniform but temporally varying optical response have applications ranging from magnetic field-free isolators to fundamental studies of quantum field theories. However, these effects typically become relevant only for time variations oscillating at frequencies, thus presenting significant hurdle that severely limits the realization such conditions. Here we present thin-film material permittivity pulsates (uniformly in space) frequencies and realizes time-reversing...

A remote-sensing system that can determine the position of hidden objects has applications in many critical real-life scenarios, such as search and rescue missions safe autonomous driving. Previous work shown ability to range image from direct line sight, employing advanced optical imaging technologies aimed at small short range. In this we demonstrate a long-range tracking based on single laser illumination single-pixel single-photon detection. This enables us track one or more people view...

Abstract Nanophotonics and metamaterials have revolutionized the way we think about optical space ( ɛ , μ ), enabling us to engineer refractive index almost at will, confine light smallest of volumes, manipulate signals with extremely small footprints energy requirements. Significant efforts are now devoted finding suitable materials strategies for dynamic control properties. Transparent conductive oxides exhibit large ultrafast nonlinearities under both interband intraband excitations. Here...

Optical solitons or soliton-like states shed light to blue-shifted frequencies through a resonant emission process. We predict mechanism by which second propagating mode is generated. This mode, called negative radiation originates from the coupling of soliton frequency branch dispersion relation. Measurements in both bulk media and photonic crystal fibres confirm our predictions.

Entanglement swapping generates remote quantum correlations between particles that have not interacted and is the cornerstone of long-distance communication, networks, fundamental tests science. In context spatial modes light, high-dimensional entanglement provides an avenue to increase bandwidth communications more stringent limits for foundations. Here we simultaneously swap multiple orbital angular momentum states light. The system based on a degenerate filter cannot distinguish different...

We present a detailed experimental investigation which uncovers the nature of light bullets generated from self-focusing in bulk dielectric medium with Kerr nonlinearity anomalous group velocity dispersion regime. By high dynamic range measurements three-dimensional intensity profiles, we demonstrate that consist sharply localized high-intensity core, carries self-compressed pulse and contains approximately 25% total energy, ring-shaped spatiotemporal periphery. Subdiffractive propagation...