Extraordinary transverse spin: hidden vorticity of the energy flow and momentum distributions in propagating light fields

A. Y. Bekshaev

doi:10.1117/12.2615939

20 December 2021 Extraordinary transverse spin: hidden vorticity of the energy flow and momentum distributions in propagating light fields

A. Y. Bekshaev

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 12126, Fifteenth International Conference on Correlation Optics; 121261P (2021) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2615939
Event: Fifteenth International Conference on Correlation Optics, 2021, Chernivtsi, Ukraine

Abstract

Spatially inhomogeneous fields of electromagnetic guided modes exhibit a complex of extraordinary dynamical properties such as the polarization-dependent transverse momentum, helicity-independent transverse spin, spin associated non-reciprocity and unidirectional propagation, etc. Recently, the remarkable relationship has been established between the spin and propagation features of such fields, expressed through the spin–momentum equations [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 118 (2021) e2018816118] connecting the wave spin with the curl of momentum. Here, the meaning, limitations and specific forms of this correspondence are further investigated, involving the physically transparent and consistent examples of paraxial light fields, plane-wave superpositions and evanescent waves. The conclusion is inferred that the spin–momentum equation is an attribute of guided waves with well defined direction of propagation, and it unites the helicity-independent “extraordinary” transverse spin with the spatially-inhomogeneous longitudinal field momentum (energy flow) density. Physical analogies with the layered hydrodynamic flows and possible generalizations for other wave fields are discussed. The results can be useful in optical trapping, manipulation and the data processing techniques.

Citation Download Citation

A. Y. Bekshaev "Extraordinary transverse spin: hidden vorticity of the energy flow and momentum distributions in propagating light fields", Proc. SPIE 12126, Fifteenth International Conference on Correlation Optics, 121261P (20 December 2021); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2615939

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

;

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE