Self-trapped dynamics of a hollow Gaussian beam in metamaterials

We present a systematic investigation on the dynamics of a hollow Gaussian beam (HGB) in metamaterials. We predict self-trapped propagation of HGBs and evolution of the beam is highly influenced by dimensionless dispersion coefficient (kappa), which determines the strength of dispersion over diffraction. The evolutions of HGBs such as disappearance of single ringed intensity pattern and appearance of patterns with a central bright spot are achievable with less propagation distance in metamaterials with higher values of kappa. On the other hand, metamaterials with low values of kappa can preserve single ring intensity distribution over a long propagation distance without focusing. When the strength of dispersion over diffraction increases, it significantly influences the evolution of the beam and may lead to the formation of tightly focussed beam with high peak intensity at the center. The phenomenon of tight focussing is found to have some applications in trapping of nanosized particles. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.