English

Photon localization barrier can be overcome

Quantum Physics 2009-11-10 v1

Abstract

In contradistinction to a widespread belief that the spatial localization of photons is restricted by a power-law falloff of the photon energy density, I.Bialynicki-Birula [Phys. Rev. Lett. 80, 5247 (1998)] has proved that any stronger -- up to an almost exponential -- falloff is allowed. We are showing that for certain specifically designed cylindrical one-photon states the localization is even better in lateral directions. If the photon state is built from the so-called focus wave mode, the falloff in the waist cross-section plane turns out to be quadratically exponential (Gaussian) and such strong localization persists in the course of propagation.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.quant-ph/0409034,
  title  = {Photon localization barrier can be overcome},
  author = {P. Saari and M. Menert and H. Valtna},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:quant-ph/0409034},
  year   = {2009}
}

Comments

Short communication -- 4 pages, 2 figures