Optical helicity and chirality: conservation and sources

Crimin, F. , Mackinnon, N., Goette, J. B. and Barnett, S. M. (2019) Optical helicity and chirality: conservation and sources. Applied Sciences, 9(5), 828. (doi: 10.3390/app9050828)

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Abstract

We consider the helicity and chirality of the free electromagnetic field, and advocate the former as a means of characterising the interaction of chiral light with matter. This is in view of the intuitive quantum form of the helicity density operator, and of the dual symmetry transformation generated by its conservation. We go on to review the form of the helicity density and its associated continuity equation in free space, in the presence of local currents and charges, and upon interaction with bulk media, leading to characterisation of both microscopic and macroscopic sources of helicity.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Mackinnon, Mr Neel and Crimin, Dr Frances and Goette, Dr Joerg and Barnett, Professor Stephen
Authors: Crimin, F., Mackinnon, N., Goette, J. B., and Barnett, S. M.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Applied Sciences
Publisher:MDPI
ISSN:2076-3417
ISSN (Online):2076-3417
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2019 The Authors
First Published:First published in Applied Sciences 9(5):828
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
3015920Foundations and Applications of Optical Forces - Enhancement awardStephen BarnettThe Royal Society (ROYSOC)RP\EA\180010P&S - Physics & Astronomy
721291Astronomy and physics, theoretical physics and application physics / Quantum Theory. Royal Society Research Professorship.Stephen BarnettThe Royal Society (ROYSOC)RP150122S&E P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY
738201EPSRC DTP 16/17 and 17/18Mary Beth KneafseyEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/N509668/1R&I - RESEARCH STRATEGY & INNOVATION