arXiv · 1409.7880
Talbot self-imaging in $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric complex crystals
Abstract
The Talbot effect, i.e. the self-imaging property of a periodic wave in near-field diffraction, is a remarkable interference phenomenon in paraxial systems with continuous translational invariance. In crystals, i.e. systems with discrete translational invariance, self-imaging has been regarded so far as a seldom effect, restricted to special sets of initial field distributions. Here it is shown that in a class of gapless $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric complex crystals at the symmetry breaking threshold Talbot revivals can arise for almost any initial periodic wave distribution which is commensurate with the lattice period. A possible experimental realization of commensurate Talbot self-imaging for light pulses in complex 'temporal' crystals, realized in an optical dispersive fiber loop with amplitude and phase modulators, is briefly discussed.
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Stefano Longhi. 2014-09-28. Talbot self-imaging in $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric complex crystals. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreva.90.043827
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