POLARIZATION-INDUCED ANGULAR MOMENTUM OF ARBITRARY LIGHT-SCATTERING PARTICLE

摘要

The problem of angular momentum of light beams associated with the state of polarization of them is considered within the framework of the light scattering concepts. By analogy with scattering, absorption and momentum cross-sections, usual in the theory of light scattering by small particles, the notion of angular momentum cross-section of light-scattering particle is introduced. On this base, the attempt is made to ground the statement that mechnical action of circularly polarized light wave is peculiar size (or edge) effect pronounsly manifesting itself when uncompensated (due to gradient of optical properties) torque moment at the particle edge becomes comparable with compensated part of the torque moment within the particle's geometrical cross-section. This statement follows from that a particle disturbes homogeneity of priobing wave, for free propagation of which observing torque action of circularly polarized wave is impossible.