Spin-to-orbital angular momentum conversion in a strongly focused optical beam.
As a fundamental property of light, the angular momentum of photons has been of great interest. Here, we demonstrate that optical spin-to-orbital angular momentum conversion can occur in a homogeneous and isotropic medium. This Letter presents both theoretical and experimental studies of this conversion in a tightly focused beam and shows that the orbital rotation speeds of trapped particles are altered because of this conversion as predicted by theory.
Zhao
Yiqiong
Y
Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-1700, USA.
Edgar
J Scott
JS
Jeffries
Gavin D M
GD
McGloin
David
D
Chiu
Daniel T
DT
D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry*; D009038:Motion; D055095:Optics and Photonics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011789:Quantum Theory
D006046:Gold