Superweak momentum transfer near optical vortices

Barnett, S. M. and Berry, M.V. (2013) Superweak momentum transfer near optical vortices. Journal of Optics, 15(12), p. 125701. (doi: 10.1088/2040-8978/15/12/125701)

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Abstract

Near a vortex in a monochromatic light beam, the length of the local wavevector (phase gradient) can exceed the wavenumber in any of the plane waves in the superposition representing the beam. One way to detect these 'superweak' momenta could be by 'superkicks' imparted to a small particle located near the vortex, by absorbing individual large-momentum photons from the beam. A model for this process is a two-level atom with a transition resonant with the light beam. A semiclassical analysis shows that the momentum distribution of the atom is shifted by interaction with the vortex beam, by amounts that can almost reach the target superkicks and are usually greater than the momenta in the plane waves comprising the beam.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Barnett, Professor Stephen
Authors: Barnett, S. M., and Berry, M.V.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Journal of Optics
Publisher:Institute of Physics Publishing Ltd.
ISSN:2040-8978
ISSN (Online):2040-8986
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2013 IOP Publishing Ltd.
First Published:First published in Journal of Optics 15(12):125701
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
549871Challenges in Orbital Angular MomentumMiles PadgettEngineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/I012451/1P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY