Tailoring propagation of light via spin-orbit interactions in correlated disorder

Based on the fundamental interplay between spatial wavefronts and polarization degrees of freedom, spin-orbit interactions (SOI) of light constitute a novel tool for optical control at the nanoscale. While well described in simple geometries, SOI of light in disordered environments, where only a partial knowledge of the material???s microscopy is available, remain largely unexplored. Here, we show that in transversally random media the disorder correlation can be exploited to tailor a variety of trajectories for ballistic beams via SOI. In particular, we show the existence of an oscillating spin Hall effect, stemming from the deformation of the phase of the wavefront due to SOI. In combination with a weak measurement, this phenomenon can also be maximized by an optimal choice of the disorder correlation.

Automated summary

This paper investigates the properties of spin-orbit interactions (SOI) of light in random environments and discovers that the trajectory of light beams can be adjusted by exploiting disorder correlation in transversally random media. Moreover, by combining with weak measurement and choosing an optimal disorder correlation, the phenomenon of oscillating spin Hall effect can be maximized.