Fiber-based 3D nano-printed holography with individually phase-engineered remote points

Abstract

The generation of tailored light fields with spatially controlled intensity and phase distribution is essential in many areas of science and application, while creating such patterns remotely has recently defined a key challenge. Here, we present a fiber-compatible concept for the remote generation of complex multi-foci three-dimensional intensity patterns with adjusted relative phases between individual foci. By extending the well-known Huygens principle, we demonstrate, in simulations and experiments, that our interference-based approach enables controlling of both intensity and phase of individual focal points in an array of spots distributed in all three spatial directions. Holograms were implemented using 3D nano-printing on planar substrates and optical fibers, showing excellent agreement between design and implemented structures. In addition to planar substrates, holograms were also generated on modified single-mode fibers, creating intensity distributions consisting of about 200 individual foci distributed over multiple image planes. The presented scheme yields an innovative pathway for phase-controlled 3D digital holography over remote distances, yielding an enormous potential application in fields such as quantum technology, life sciences, bioanalytics and telecommunications. Overall, all fields requiring precise excitation of higher-order optical resonances, including nanophotonics, fiber optics and waveguide technology, will benefit from the concept.