The Poynting vector in Laguerre-Gaussian beams and the interpretation of their angular momentum density

Allen, L. and Padgett, M. (2000) The Poynting vector in Laguerre-Gaussian beams and the interpretation of their angular momentum density. Optics Communications, 184(1), 67 -71. (doi: 10.1016/S0030-4018(00)00960-3)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0030-4018(00)00960-3

Abstract

The rate of electromagnetic energy flow per unit area, the Poynting vector, is defined and discussed in all books of electromagnetism. The vector and its associated linear momentum density is, however, invariably examined for plane waves or at least waves with a plane wavefront. The local linear momentum density is used in Laguerre-Gaussian beams to investigate classically the trajectory of the Poynting vector for light of any polarization. Some of the difficulties of interpretation of the local angular momentum density are discussed.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Padgett, Professor Miles
Authors: Allen, L., and Padgett, M.
Subjects:Q Science > QC Physics
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Optics Communications
ISSN:0030-4018

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record