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Optical helices and spiral interference fringes

1994; Elsevier BV; Volume: 106; Issue: 4-6 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/0030-4018(94)90314-x

1873-0310

Michael Harris, C. A. Hill, J. M. Vaughan,

Advanced Fiber Laser Technologies

Very pure optical helices have been generated in an argon ion laser of low Fresnel number. The beam character, with continuous cophasal surface of helical form, is clearly demonstrated by spiral interference fringes produced in a novel interferometric arrangement. In addition to single-start helices the multistart fringe patterns establish both two-start and three-start helices (of pitch two and three wavelengths, respectively), and also the state of helicity (i.e. rotational hand) of the beams.