NTU scientists create optical skyrmions with simple laser method

13 Mwezi wa saba, 2026

Imeripotiwa na AI

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have generated optical skyrmions using a 200-year-old optics experiment. The approach replaces complex materials with a basic laser and circular disc setup.

Scientists at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore revived the Poisson spot phenomenon to produce stable swirling patterns in light known as optical skyrmions. The team, led by Assistant Professor Shen Yijie, shone a laser at a small circular disc to form the structures without expensive metamaterials.

The findings, published in the journal Optica, showed that the method simultaneously created four types of skyrmions: spin, Stokes, electric field, and magnetic field. Computer simulations illustrated the patterns as arrays of arrows representing changes in light properties.

"What is remarkable is that optical skyrmions can now be generated using a simple effect where light bends around an object," explained Asst Prof Shen. He noted that the technique lowers barriers for researchers studying applications in data storage, communications, and computing.

The Poisson spot, first observed in the early 19th century, provided key evidence for light's wave nature through diffraction. The NTU work may support advances in photonics and topological light studies.

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