Transverse spin and momentum in structured light: quantum spin Hall effect and transverse optical force

Konstantin Y. Bliokh

doi:10.1117/12.2217685

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4 March 2016 Transverse spin and momentum in structured light: quantum spin Hall effect and transverse optical force

Konstantin Y. Bliokh

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Proceedings Volume 9764, Complex Light and Optical Forces X; 976403 (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2217685
Event: SPIE OPTO, 2016, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

We provide an overview of recent theoretical and experimental studies, which revisited the basic dynamical properties of light: momentum and angular momentum. Recently, we described qualitatively new types of the spin and momentum in structured optical fields. These are: (i) the transverse spin, which is orthogonal to the wave vector and is independent of the helicity, and (ii) the anomalous transverse momentum, which depends on the helicity of light. Both of these quantities were described and measured experimentally in various optical systems, and they are currently attracting rapidly growing attention. In particular, the transverse spin in evanescent waves has found promising applications for robust spin-controlled unidirectional coupling to surface and waveguide optical modes. In turn, the transverse momentum provides a weak spin-dependent optical force, which is orthogonal to both the propagation direction and the intensity gradient in a wave field.

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Konstantin Y. Bliokh "Transverse spin and momentum in structured light: quantum spin Hall effect and transverse optical force", Proc. SPIE 9764, Complex Light and Optical Forces X, 976403 (4 March 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2217685

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