What is wrong with the interpretation of recent nano-filament experiments?

Masud Mansuripur, Armis R. Zakharian

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

In a recent paper, W. She, J. Yu and R. Feng reported the slight deformations observed upon transmission of a light pulse through a short length of a silica glass nano-filament. Relating the shape and magnitude of these deformations to the momentum of the light pulse inside and outside the filament, these authors concluded that, within the fiber, the photons carry the Abraham momentum. We present an alternative evaluation of force and momentum in a system similar to the experimental setup of She et al. Using precise numerical calculations that take into account not only the electromagnetic momentum inside and outside the filament, but also the Lorentz force exerted by a light pulse in its entire path through the nano-waveguide, we conclude that the net effect should be a pull (rather than a push) force on the end face of the nano-filament.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationOptical Trapping and Optical Micromanipulation VI
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
EventOptical Trapping and Optical Micromanipulation VI - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Aug 2 2009Aug 6 2009

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume7400
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherOptical Trapping and Optical Micromanipulation VI
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period8/2/098/6/09

Keywords

  • Electromagnetic theory
  • Momentum of light
  • Radiation pressure

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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