Cameron, R.P., Barnett, S.M. and Yao, A.M. (2014) Optical helicity of interfering waves. Journal of Modern Optics, 61(1), pp. 25-31. (doi: 10.1080/09500340.2013.829874)
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Abstract
Helicity is a property of light which is familiar from particle physics but less well-known in optics. In this paper we recall the explicit form taken by the helicity of light within classical electromagnetic theory and reflect upon some of its remarkable characteristics. The helicity of light is related to, but is distinct from, the spin of light. To emphasise this fact, we draw a simple analogy between the helicity of light and electric charge and between the spin of light and electric current. We illustrate this and other observations by examining various superpositions of plane waves explicitly.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Barnett, Professor Stephen and Yao, Dr Alison |
| Authors: | Cameron, R.P., Barnett, S.M., and Yao, A.M. |
| College/School: | College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy |
| Journal Name: | Journal of Modern Optics |
| Publisher: | Taylor and Francis |
| ISSN: | 0950-0340 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1362-3044 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2013 The Authors |
| First Published: | First published in Journal of Modern Optics 61(1):25-31 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons License |
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