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Shrinking the Spot-Size of a Focused Laser Beam Stephen M. Kuebler , University of Central Florida, DMR 0748712. Many applications involving lasers could be significantly improved if the spot-size of the focused beam could be super-resolved below the limit imposed by diffraction.

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  1. Shrinking the Spot-Size of a Focused Laser BeamStephen M. Kuebler, University of Central Florida, DMR 0748712 Many applications involving lasers could be significantly improved if the spot-size of the focused beam could be super-resolved below the limit imposed by diffraction. New computational methods have been developed that enable design of optics called “pupil filters” that generate smaller focal spots, with simultaneous control over the size of unwanted side-lobes that accompany super-resolution. Some of these techniques are based on a nature-inspired algorithm called “Particle Swarm Optimization”. Optics designed using these methods could make it possible to obtain crisper images in microscopy, store more information on optical disks, and create new types of nano-scale machines and photonic device by direct laser writing. Intensity distribution of a focused laser spot. (a)  With a properly designed “pupil filter”, the laser spot can be compressed axially, making it smaller than (b) that obtained by conventional focusing.

  2. Teaching Future Scientists about LasersStephen M. Kuebler, University of Central Florida, DMR 0748712 Our research group has developed teaching modules for illustrating fundamental concepts of lasers and properties of light. These include behavior of waves, total internal refraction, interference, and diffraction -- which form the basis for many important technologies, such as fiber optic communications. Research students in the group demonstrate these concepts to young people of all ages during outreach encounters coordinated with local schools and other public venues, such as the Orlando Science Center. This peer-to-peer teaching structure makes science more accessible for young people and places the research students in teaching roles that helps them develop their own professional skills. (Top) Visitors learn “hands-on” about total internal refraction. (Bottom) Kuebler-group member and Seminole High School senior Steven Wang demonstrates properties of waves using a water tank to young visitors at the Orlando Science Center.

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