A theory of matter wave interference is developed in which resonant, standing wave optical fields interact with an ensemble of two-level atoms. If effects related to the recoil the atoms undergo on absorbing or emitting radiation are neglected, the total atomic density is spatially uniform. However, when recoil effects are included, spatial modulation of the atomic density can occur for times t...

A simple method to determine the focal length of a lens using the Talbot image is presented. This method uses only one grating, requiring neither Moiré fringe analysis nor the angle between the gratings. The original Fourier transform was used to access the spectrum beyond the limitation set of the usual fast Fourier transform to determine the (de)magnification accurately enough to be used for ...

By means of experiment and simulation, we achieve unprecedented insights into the formation of Talbot images to be observed in transmission for light diffracted at wavelength-scale amplitude gratings. Emphasis is put on disclosing the impact and the interplay of various diffraction orders to the formation of Talbot images. They can be manipulated by selective filtering in the Fourier plane. Exp...

Coherent manipulation of atomic momentum states is the primary goal of atom optics, and the standing light wave with its associated stimulated light forces is the primary method of achieving this goal. A description of the standing wave as two counter-propagating beams of photons leads to a natural explanation of Bragg scattering. In contrast, Kapitza–Dirac scattering, atom lithography, and the...

We analyze propagation of polychromatic light patterns in modulated photonic lattices created with arrays of periodically curved coupled optical waveguides. We demonstrate that in waveguide arrays with specially designed modulation periodic recurrences of input light patterns produced by white-light and supercontinuum sources can be realized, e.g., through multicolor Talbot effect. © 2008 Elsev...

The letter presents a technique for Nth-order differentiation of periodic pulse train, which can simultaneously multiply the input repetition rate. This approach uses a single linearly chirped apodized fiber Bragg grating, which grating profile is designed to map the spectral response of the Nth-order differentiator, and the chirp introduces a dispersion that, besides space-to-frequency mapping...

We introduce periodic photonic structures where the strength of diffraction can be managed in a very broad frequency range. We show how to design arrays of curved waveguides where light beams experience wavelength-independent normal, anomalous, or zero diffraction. Our results suggest opportunities for efficient self-collimation, focusing, and reshaping of beams produced by white-light and supe...