Quantum Group Seminar: General Relativity Phenomena in Optical Settings

Abstract:

In 1916 Albert Einstein published the theory of General Relativity (GR) predicting a plethora of exciting phenomena. Some phenomena have been observed in astronomy, such as the deflection of light by the sun. However, many GR predictions are still eluding observation to this day. Consequently, analogous systems were suggested as platforms for emulation experiments, among which optical systems play a major role.

The talk will cover our study on gravitational effects with optical wavepackets in linear and nonlinear optical systems. We present a highly nonlocal nonlinear optical system that is mathematically equivalent to the Newton-Schrodinger model commonly used to describe the inherently nonlinear dynamics in gravitational systems. We use this setting to demonstrate gravitational phenomena in experiments by creating interactions between a wavepacket and the gravitational potential of a massive star. Such wavepackets interact in the curved space they themselves induce, displaying complex nonlinear dynamics arising from the interplay between diffraction, interference and the emulated gravitational effects. Finally, we study the behavior of wavepackets in curved surfaces and design macro and micro sized optical structures suggesting new photonics applications by controlling the curvature of space.

Seminar Organizer: Shay Leizerovitch