Dynamic Consequences Of Optical Spin-Orbit Interaction

Abstract

Field symmetries and conservation laws are closely associated through Noether's theorem. Light field inhomogeneities lead to changes in linear and angular momenta and, consequently, to radiation pressure, spin or rotation of objects. Here we discuss a new type of mechanical action originating in the exchange between spin and orbital angular momenta. We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that, when mirror and central symmetries of scattering are broken, a force appears acting perpendicularly to the direction of propagation. This new force completes the set of non-conservative forces (radiation pressure and tractor beams) that can be generated with unstructured light beams.

Publication Date

11-27-2015

Publication Title

Nature Photonics

Volume

9

Issue

12

Number of Pages

809-812

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1038/nphoton.2015.200

Socpus ID

84948575671 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84948575671

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