Discrete Talbot effect in modulated lattices with PT symmetric perturbations

We demonstrate both theoretically and numerically that the periodic self-imaging phenomenon of light patterns with certain input periods can be effectively realized in a three-layered optical lattice with parity-time symmetric modulations, which can introduce a modulation phase to the lattice structure. By varying the ratio of coupling coef-ficients, the Talbot distance can be engineered, which can be further tuned by adjusting the modulation phase. The Talbot effect occurs only if the modulation phase belongs to a specific set: {+/-pi/3, +/-pi /2, +/- 2 pi /3, +/-pi}. (c) 2023 Optica Publishing Group

Automated summary

We demonstrate the effective realization of the periodic self-imaging phenomenon in a three-layered optical lattice with parity-time symmetric modulations, using theoretical and numerical methods. The Talbot distance and effect can be engineered by varying coupling coefficients and adjusting the modulation phase.