Ultraslow optical centrifuge with arbitrarily low rotational acceleration
Phys. Rev. A 113, 033107 – Published 10 March, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/1q3d-2mdq
Abstract
We present the design and characterization of a laser pulse shaper, which creates an “ultraslow optical centrifuge”—a linearly polarized field the polarization vector of which rotates with arbitrarily low angular acceleration. By directly recording this rotation in time with nonlinear cross-correlation, we demonstrate the tunability of the initial and final rotational frequencies of such a centrifuge in the range of accelerations, which are three orders of magnitude lower than those available with a conventional centrifuge design. We showcase the functionality of the ultraslow centrifuge by spinning molecules in a molecular jet. Utilizing the extremely low angular acceleration to control molecular rotation inside viscous media is a promising application for this unique optical tool.
