Optical momentum transfer to absorbing mie particles.

Area of Science:

• * Optics and Electromagnetism
• * Theoretical Physics
• * Condensed Matter Physics

Background:

• * Understanding momentum transfer in optical interactions is crucial for manipulating particles.
• * Existing theories often rely on assumptions about the momentum of light in media.
• * The role of absorption in optical momentum transfer, particularly for larger particles, requires clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To derive momentum transfer to absorbing particles from Lorentz force density without prior assumptions.
• * To develop a novel framework for momentum conservation using stress tensor formalism.
• * To investigate the impact of absorption on optical momentum transfer to Mie particles.

Main Methods:

• * Derivation of momentum transfer from Lorentz force density.
• * Application of stress tensor formalism for momentum conservation.
• * Separation of momentum contributions to bound and free currents/charges.

Main Results:

• * A new theoretical framework for momentum conservation in absorbing media was established.
• * Optical momentum transfer to Mie particles was predicted to decrease with increased absorption.
• * This finding contrasts with the typical understanding derived from Rayleigh particle interactions.

Conclusions:

• * The stress tensor formalism provides a consistent framework for momentum conservation in optical interactions.
• * Absorption in Mie particles leads to a counterintuitive decrease in optical momentum transfer.
• * This work offers a refined understanding of light-matter interactions, particularly in the context of absorption.