arXiv subjects

Jacob Scheuer

Publications and source records attributed to Jacob Scheuer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Optical injection locking of white light cavity based superluminal lasers

Optical injection locking is a simple method for synchronizing a laser to an external laser source by injecting part of the external laser light into the cavity of the other laser. This approach received significant interest due to its potential applications in telecommunications, precision metrology, and more. We study and analyze the steady-state and dynamic properties of optical injection locking in white light cavity (WLC) lasers. We derive the steady-state injection locking range of the WLC laser and the dynamic (Adler) equation for the phase-difference between the injected signal and the locked laser output. The analysis shows that WLC lasers can exhibit an order of magnitude broader locking range and three order of magnitudes faster dynamics compared to conventional lasers with similar thresholds and free spectral ranges.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

SOI-Compatible Degenerate Band Edge Photonic Structure: Design Rules and Robustness Analysis

Optical periodic structures exhibiting a degenerate band edge (DBE) are of significant interest for various applications such as switching, sensing, high-power amplification, and lasing. At the edge of the bandgap in such structures, a fourth-order exceptional point degeneracy arises, leading to an extremely flat dispersion band. We propose and study a Silicon-on-Insulator-compatible structure composed of two coupled waveguides with asymmetric gratings. The dispersion relations and the field profiles are obtained using three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulations, and we provide a set of practical guidelines for the design and optimization of such structures, in order to obtain a DBE. We analyze the transmission and reflection spectra of finite-size devices, and investigate their spectral properties near the stationary points. The scaling of the resonance quality factor with the number of unit cells is studied, revealing a performance that surpasses that of conventional periodic structures. Finally, we examine the robustness of the DBE with respect to fabrication tolerances and structural imperfections.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

On the validity of intermediate tracing in multiple quantum interactions

Interactions between many (initially separate) quantum systems raise the question on how to prepare and how to compute the measurable results of their interaction. When one prepares each system individually and let them interact, one has to tensor multiply their density matrices and apply Hamiltonians on the composite system (i.e. the system which includes all the interacting systems) for definite time intervals. Evaluating the final state of one of the systems after multiple consecutive interactions, requires tracing all other systems out of the composite system, which may grow up to immense dimensions. For computation efficiency during the interaction(s) one may consider only the contemporary interacting partial systems, while tracing out the other non interacting systems. In concrete terms, the type of problems to which we direct this formulation is a ``target'' system interacting {\bf succesively} with ``incident'' systems, where the ``incident'' systems do not mutually interact. For example a two-level atom, interacting succesively with free electrons, or a resonant cavity interacting with radiatively free electrons, or a quantum dot interacting succesively with photons. We refer to a ``system'' as one of the components before interaction, while each interaction creates a ``composite system''. A new interaction of the ``composite system'' with another ``system'' creates a ``larger composite system'', unless we trace out one of the systems before this interaction. The scope of this work is to show that under proper conditions one may add a system to the composite system just before it interacts, and one may trace out this very system after it finishes to interact. We show in this work a mathematical proof of the above property and give a computational example.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Inverse Design of Diffractive Metasurfaces Using Diffusion Models

Metasurfaces are ultra-thin optical elements composed of engineered sub-wavelength structures that enable precise control of light. Their inverse design - determining a geometry that yields a desired optical response - is challenging due to the complex, nonlinear relationship between structure and optical properties. This often requires expert tuning, is prone to local minima, and involves significant computational overhead. In this work, we address these challenges by integrating the generative capabilities of diffusion models into computational design workflows. Using an RCWA simulator, we generate training data consisting of metasurface geometries and their corresponding far-field scattering patterns. We then train a conditional diffusion model to predict meta-atom geometry and height from a target spatial power distribution at a specified wavelength, sampled from a continuous supported band. Once trained, the model can generate metasurfaces with low error, either directly using RCWA-guided posterior sampling or by serving as an initializer for traditional optimization methods. We demonstrate our approach on the design of a spatially uniform intensity splitter and a polarization beam splitter, both produced with low error in under 30 minutes. To support further research in data-driven metasurface design, we publicly release our code and datasets.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2024

Algorithm for solving a pump-probe model for an arbitrary number of energy levels

We describe a generalized algorithm for evaluating the steady-state solution of the density matrix equation of motion, for the pump-probe scheme, when two fields oscillating at different frequencies couple the same set of atomic transitions involving an arbitrary number of energy levels, to an arbitrary order of the harmonics of the pump-probe frequency difference. We developed a numerical approach and a symbolic approach for this algorithm. We have verified that both approaches yield the same result for all cases studied, but require different computation time. The results are further validated by comparing them with the analytical solution of a two-level system to first order. We have also used both models to produce results up to the third order in the pump-probe frequency difference, for two-, three- and four-level systems. In addition, we have used this model to determine accurately, for the first time, the gain profile for a self-pumped Raman laser, for a system involving 16 Zeeman sublevels in the D1 manifold of 87Rb atoms. We have also used this model to determine the behavior of a single-pumped superluminal laser. In many situations involving the applications of multiple laser fields to atoms with many energy levels, one often makes the approximation that each field couples only one transition, because of the difficulty encountered in accounting for the effect of another field coupling the same transition but with a large detuning. The use of the algorithm presented here would eliminate the need for making such approximations, thus improving the accuracy of numerical calculations for such schemes.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

Shape-Dependence of Spontaneous Photon Emission by Quantum Electron Wavepackets and the QED Origin of Bunched Electron Beam Superradiance

It has been shown that the spontaneous emission rate of photons by free electrons, unlike stimulated emission, is independent of the shape or modulation of the quantum electron wavefunction (QEW). Nevertheless, here we show that the quantum state of the emitted photons is non-classical and does depend on the QEW shape. This non-classicality originates from the shape dependent off-diagonal terms of the photon density matrix. This is manifested in the Wigner distribution function and would be observable experimentally through Homodyne detection techniques as a squeezing effect. Considering a scheme of electrons interaction with a single microcavity mode, we present a QED formulation of spontaneous emission by multiple modulated QEWs through a build-up process. Our findings indicate that in the case of a density modulated QEWs beam, the phase of the off-diagonal terms of the photon state emitted by the modulated QEWs is the harbinger of bunched beam superradiance, where the spontaneous emission is proportional to N_e^2. This observation offers a potential for enhancement of other quantum electron interactions with quantum systems by a modulated QEWs beam carrying coherence and quantum properties of the modulation.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Low-Threshold Lasing with Frozen Mode Regime and Stationary Inflection Point in Three Coupled Waveguide Structure

The frozen mode regime is a unique slow-light scenario in periodic structures, where the flat-bands (zero group velocity) are associated with the formation of high-order stationary points (aka exceptional points). The formation of exceptional points is accompanied by enhancement of various optical properties such as gain, Q-factor and absorption, which are key properties for the realization of wide variety of devices such as switches, modulators and lasers. Here we present and study a new integrated optical periodic structure consisting of three waveguides coupled via micro-cavities and directional coupler. We study this design theoretically, demonstrating that a proper choice of parameters yields a third order stationary inflection point (SIP). We also show that the structure can be designed to exhibit two almost-overlapping SIPs at the center of the Brillouin Zone. We study the transmission and reflection of light propagating through realistic devices comprising a finite number of unit-cells and investigate their spectral properties in the vicinity of the stationary points. Finally, we analyze the lasing frequencies and threshold level of finite structures (as a function of the number of unit-cells) and show that it outperforms conventional lasers utilizing regular band edge lasing (such as DFB lasers).

physics.optics↗

arXiv2023

Exotic single-photon and enhanced deep-level emissions in hBN strain superlattice

The peculiar defect-related photon emission processes in 2D hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) have become a topic of intense research due to their potential applications in quantum information and sensing technologies. Recent efforts have focused on activating and modulating the defect energy levels in hBN by methods that can be integrated on a chip, and understanding the underlying physical mechanism. Here, we report on exotic single photon and enhanced deep-level emissions in 2D hBN strain superlattice, which is fabricated by transferring multilayer hBN onto hexagonal close-packed silica spheres on silica substrate. We realize effective activation of the single photon emissions (SPEs) in the multilayer hBN at the positions that are in contact with the apex of the SiO2 spheres. At these points, the local tensile strain induced blue-shift of the SPE is found to be up to 12 nm. Furthermore, high spatial resolution cathodoluminescence measurments show remarkable strain-enhanced deep-level (DL) emissions in the multilayer hBN with the emission intensity distribution following the periodic hexagonal pattern of the strain superlattice. The maximum DL emission enhancement is up to 350% with a energy redshift of 6 nm. Our results provide a simple on-chip compatible method for activating and tuning the defect-related photon emissions in multilayer hBN, demonstrating the potential of hBN strain superlattice as a building block for future on-chip quantum nanophotonic devices.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2022

Coherent excitation of bound electron quantum state with quantum electron wavepackets

We present a fully quantum model for the excitation of a bound electron based on the free-electron bound-electron resonant interaction (FEBERI) scheme. The bound electron is modeled as a quantum two-level system (TLS) at any initial quantum (qubit) state, and the free electron is presented as a pre-shaped quantum electron wavepacket (QEW). In the case that the QEW is short or modulated at optical frequency, the TLS quantum state may be coherently controlled with multiple modulation-correlated QEWs. For this case, we derive the transition probability of the TLS due to interaction with a multi-particle beam based on an analytical approximate solution of the Schrodinger equation that amounts to using Born's probabilistic interpretation of the quantum electron wavefunction. We verify the credibility of the analytical model at its validity ranges using a fully quantum density matrix computation procedure. It is shown that the transition probability can grow quadratically with the number of correlated QEWs, and theoretically - exhibit full Rabi oscillation. The study indicates a possibility of engineering the quantum state of a TLS by utilizing a beam of shaped QEWs.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

Frozen mode in an asymmetric serpentine optical waveguide

The existence of a frozen mode in a periodic serpentine waveguide with broken longitudinal symmetry is demonstrated numerically. The frozen mode is associated with a stationary inflection point (SIP) of the Bloch dispersion relation, where three Bloch eigenmodes collapse on each other, as it is an exceptional point of order three. The frozen mode regime is characterized by vanishing group velocity and enhanced field amplitude, which can be very attractive in various applications including dispersion engineering, lasers, and delay lines. Useful and simple design equations that lead to realization of the frozen mode by adjusting a few parameters are derived. The trend in group delay and quality factor with waveguide length that is peculiar of the frozen mode is shown. The symmetry conditions for the existence of exceptional points of degeneracy associated with the frozen mode are also discussed.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2021

Quantum states interrogation using a pre-shaped free electron wavefunction

We present a comprehensive theory for interrogation of the quantum state of a two-level system (TLS) based on a free-electron - bound-electron resonant interaction scheme. The scheme is based on free electrons, whose quantum electron wavefunction is pre-shaped or optically modulated by lasers in an electron microscope setup and then inelastically scattered by a quantum TLS target (e.g., atom, quantum dot, crystal defect center, etc.) upon traversing in proximity to the target. Measurement of the post-interaction energy spectrum of the electrons, probes and quantifies the full Bloch sphere parameters of a pre-excited TLS and enables coherent control of the qubit states. The exceptional advantage of this scheme over laser-based ones is the atomic-scale spatial resolution of addressing individual TLS targets. Thus, this scheme opens new horizons for electron microscopy in material interrogation and quantum information technology.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

Resonant Interaction of Modulation-correlated Quantum Electron Wavepackets with Bound Electron States

Free-Electron Bound-Electron Resonant Interaction (FEBERI) is the resonant inelastic interaction of periodically density-bunched free electrons with a quantum two level system. We present a comprehensive relativistic quantum mechanical theory for this interaction in a model in which the electrons are represented as quantum electron wavepackets (QEW). The analysis reveals the wave-particle duality nature of the QEW, delineating the point-particle-like and wave-like interaction regimes, and manifesting the physical reality of the wavefunction dimensions and its density modulation characteristics in interaction with matter. The analysis comprehends the case of laser-beam-modulated multiple QEWs that are modulation-phase correlated. Based on the Born interpretation of the electron wavefunction we predict quantum transitions enhancement proportional to the number of electrons squared, analogous to superradiance.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

Pulse reverse-engineering for strong field-matter interaction

We propose a scheme to control the evolution of a two-level quantum system in the strong coupling regime based on the idea of reverse-engineering. A coherent control field is designed to drive both closed and open two-level quantum systems along user predefined evolution trajectory without utilizing the rotating-wave approximation (RWA). As concrete examples, we show that complete population inversion, an equally weighted coherent superposition, and even oscillationlike dynamics can be achieved. As there are no limitations on the coupling strength between the control field and matter, the scheme is attractive for applications such as accelerating desired system dynamics and fast quantum information processing.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Controlling the long-term dynamics of Brillouin Fiber Lasers using pump modulation: Bi-stable lasing and Hysteresis

The long-term lasing dynamics of Brillouin Fiber Lasers was recently shown to be governed by an intrinsic thermal feedback which stabilizes the lasing frequency at the lower half of the gain line. We show that this feedback can be utilized by means of pump modulation to greatly control this dynamics. Specifically, we demonstrate experimentally a bi-stable fiber laser where switching between lasing modes is possible by either controlling the cavity length or pump power. An inherent hysteretic response ensures the long-term stability of the laser in each mode. Excellent agreement is found between the experimental results and a master-equation based theoretical model.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2017

Designing high-transmission and wide angle all-dielectric flat metasurfaces at telecom wavelengths

Recent advances in holography, wireless sensing and light fidelity technologies have resulted in the need for antennas that can support highly efficient beam directivity for a broad angular range. Transmitarrays have been shown to be promising candidates for the determination of such structures. Here, we present a comprehensive methodology for the design of subwavelength all-dielectric flat metasurfaces with high transmission and deflection range. The metasurfaces are CMOS compatible and can be fabricated using conventional processing of silicon-on-insulator technology. The optimized structures exhibit up to 95% efficiency for a wide-angle deflection range from 20{\deg} to 60{\deg} in air, at operating wavelengths near 1550 nm. Furthermore, we propose the potential multi-wavelength and muti-mode excitation capabilities of the designed supercell. This is achieved by shifting the resonance of each post of the metasurface to the wavelength of interest opening up opportunities for wavelength multiplexing with a single structure. Our results facilitate the realization of broad angle flat deflectors and holographic devices but also indicate that today's bulky and expensive light fidelity optical routers could be substituted by ultra-small chips that are inexpensive to fabricate and can be commercially implemented.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2017

Dynamically controlled plasmonic nano-antenna phased array utilizing vanadium dioxide

We propose and analyze theoretically an approach for realizing a tunable optical phased-array antenna utilizing the properties of VO2 for electronic beam steering applications in the near-IR spectral range. The device is based on a 1D array of slot nano-antennas engraved in a thin Au film grown over VO2 layer. The tuning is obtained by inducing a temperature gradient over the device, which changes the refractive index of the VO2, and hence modifies the phase response of the elements comprising the array, by producing a thermal gradient within the underlying PCM layer. Using a 10-element array, we show that an incident beam can be steered up to with respect to the normal, by applying a gradient of less than 10{\deg}C.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2017

Degeneracy breaking of Wood's anomaly for enhanced refractive index sensing

We introduce an ultrasensitive detection technique for refractive index (RI) sensing based on an array of nanometer scale slot-antennas milled in a thin gold layer using a single lithographic step. Our experimental figures of merit (FOMs) of 140-210 in the telecom wavelength range approach the fundamental limit for standard propagating SPR sensors (~250).The underlying mechanism enabling this is the combination of a narrowband resonance of the slot-antennas with degeneracy breaking of Wood anomaly under slightly non-perpendicular illumination. In addition, we explore the sensitivity of the device to the depth of the analyte layer. This concept can be easily tuned to any desired wavelength and RI range by modifying the slot dimensions and the array spacing, thus rendering it highly useful for numerous sensing applications.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2017

Highly efficient and broadband wide-angle Holography Using Patch-Dipole Nano-antenna Reflectarrays

We demonstrate wide-angle, broadband and efficient reflection holography by utilizing coupled dipole-patch nano-antenna cells to impose an arbitrary phase profile on of the reflected light. High fidelity images were projected at angles of 450 and 200 with respect to the impinging light with efficiencies ranging between 40%-50% over an optical bandwidth exceeding 180nm. Excellent agreement with the theoretical predictions was found at a wide spectral range. The demonstration of such reflectarrays opens new avenues towards expanding the limits of large angle holography.

physics.optics↗