Wavefront Modulation and Beam Shaping into Arbitrary Three-Dimensional Intensity Distributions

In this study the methods of three-dimensional (3D) wavefront intensity modulation by employing contrast-inverted holography, previously introduced as Gabor inverted holography, are further investigated. The present study provides the recipes for creating 3D wavefront intensity modulations using phase-only and amplitude-only modulators and compares the results. The 3D wavefront modulation using spherical waves is also demonstrated, and the miniaturization of 3D intensity beams is discussed; it is shown that both the resolution and the size of the created 3D structures are ultimately given by the wavelength of the employed radiation. The manuscript also addresses the quality of the formed 3D intensity curves and determines the parameters that provide the best smooth appearance of the 3D curves. The presented methods of 3D intensity wavefront modulation can be realized for all kinds of waves: light, X-ray, electron, etc, provided the modulator can be manufactured for the corresponding wavelength. The methods of 3D intensity wavefront modulation can be applied in various techniques: lithography, micro-robotics, particle trapping, etc.

Automated summary

This study further investigates the methods of three-dimensional (3D) wavefront intensity modulation using contrast-inverted holography, with a focus on creating smooth appearance of 3D curves. It demonstrates the use of spherical waves for 3D wavefront modulation and discusses the miniaturization of 3D intensity beams, showing that the resolution and size of the created structures are determined by the wavelength of the employed radiation. The study also explores applications of the presented methods in various techniques such as lithography, micro-robotics, and particle trapping, indicating their broad utility across different types of waves.