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Inverse Faraday effect with linearly polarized laser pulses
S Ali1, J R Davies, J T Mendonca
1Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear--Laboratório Associado, Instituto Superior Tecnico,Avenida Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal. shahid_gc@yahoo.com
Linear polarization can induce the inverse Faraday effect, generating magnetic fields in plasma. Orbital angular momentum contributes significantly, modifying effects typically seen with circular polarization.
Area of Science:
- Plasma Physics
- Nonlinear Optics
- Electromagnetism
Background:
- The inverse Faraday effect (IFE) traditionally involves circularly polarized light generating magnetic fields.
- Understanding light-matter interactions in plasma is crucial for various applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence of the inverse Faraday effect with linearly polarized radiation.
- To analyze the contributions of spin and orbital angular momentum to the generated magnetic field.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical calculation of the quasistatic axial magnetic field generated by laser propagation in plasma.
- Analysis of laser pulse angular momenta (spin and orbital).
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that linearly polarized radiation can also induce the inverse Faraday effect.
- Showcased that orbital angular momentum provides an additional contribution to the axial magnetic field.
- Highlighted the dependence of this contribution on the laser's intensity profile, specifically Laguerre-Gaussian modes.
Conclusions:
- The inverse Faraday effect is not exclusive to circularly polarized light.
- Orbital angular momentum plays a key role in modifying the magnetic field generation, offering potential for enhanced or reduced effects.
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