Barnett, S. M. , Speirits, F. C. and Babiker, M. (2022) Optical angular momentum in atomic transitions: a paradox. Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical, 55(23), 234008. (doi: 10.1088/1751-8121/ac6bd1)
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Abstract
Stated simply the paradox is as follows: it is clear that the orbital angular momentum of a light beam in its direction of propagation is an intrinsic quantity, and therefore has the same value everywhere in the beam. How then can a Gaussian beam, with precisely zero orbital angular momentum, drive a (single-photon) quadrupole transition which requires the transfer of angular momentum 2\hbar to an absorbing atom?
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | SMB thanks the Royal Society for the award of a Research Professorship (RP150122). |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Barnett, Professor Stephen and Speirits, Dr Fiona |
| Authors: | Barnett, S. M., Speirits, F. C., and Babiker, M. |
| College/School: | College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy |
| Journal Name: | Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical |
| Publisher: | IOP Publishing |
| ISSN: | 1751-8113 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1751-8121 |
| Published Online: | 29 April 2022 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2022 The Author(s) |
| First Published: | First published in Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical 55(23): 234008 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons License |
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