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Electromagnetic Helicity in Complex Media.

F Alpeggiani1, K Y Bliokh2,3, F Nori2,4

  • 1Department of Quantum Nanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Lorentzweg 1, Delft 2628 CJ, The Netherlands.

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

We introduce optical helicity density for dispersive media, crucial for understanding light interactions with chiral materials. This new definition aligns with existing theories in electromagnetism and energy density.

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Area of Science:

  • Optics and Photonics
  • Electromagnetism
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Optical helicity density is typically defined for free-space monochromatic electromagnetic fields.
  • It is essential for understanding light interactions with chiral molecules and nanoparticles.
  • Existing definitions lack applicability in dispersive media.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define and explore optical helicity density within dispersive isotropic media.
  • To ensure consistency with established principles of electromagnetism and energy density in optical media.
  • To extend the understanding of light's canonical momentum and spin in complex media.

Main Methods:

  • Developing a theoretical framework for optical helicity density in dispersive media.
  • Ensuring the definition aligns with biorthogonal Maxwell electromagnetism.
  • Verifying consistency with Brillouin energy density and canonical momentum/spin definitions.

Main Results:

  • A novel definition of optical helicity density for dispersive media is established.
  • The definition is shown to be consistent with biorthogonal Maxwell electromagnetism.
  • The framework is validated through examples involving dielectrics, negative-index materials, metals, and chiral molecules.

Conclusions:

  • The introduced optical helicity density provides a robust framework for dispersive media.
  • This extends the study of light-matter interactions in complex optical environments.
  • The findings are applicable to various materials and chiral interactions.