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Negative radiation pressure in metamaterials explained by light-driven atomic mass density rarefication waves.

Mikko Partanen1, Jukka Tulkki2

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Negative radiation pressure in negative-index metamaterials (NIMs) was simulated, revealing it depends on subwavelength structure. This pressure arises from the interplay between electromagnetic field momentum and material momentum.

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Area of Science:

  • Optics and Photonics
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Negative-index metamaterials (NIMs) exhibit unique optical properties like negative refraction.
  • Experimental evidence for negative radiation pressure in NIMs is currently lacking.
  • Previous studies anticipated reversed momentum and radiation pressure in NIMs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the phenomenon of negative radiation pressure in NIMs through simulation.
  • To determine the conditions and mechanisms leading to negative radiation pressure.
  • To explore the relationship between subwavelength structure and light momentum in NIMs.

Main Methods:

  • Simulations of exact position- and time-dependent field-material dynamics in NIMs.
  • Analysis of momentum and radiation pressure components.
  • Investigation of optical force density and its effect on atomic distribution.

Main Results:

  • Light's momentum and radiation pressure in NIMs can be positive or negative, contingent on subwavelength structure.
  • Negative radiation pressure is linked to the sum of positive electromagnetic field momentum and negative material momentum.
  • Negative material momentum arises from optical forces driving atoms backward, reducing local atomic density.

Conclusions:

  • Negative radiation pressure in NIMs is achievable and depends on specific subwavelength designs.
  • The phenomenon involves a unique interplay between field and material momentum, with negative total momentum and energy.
  • Experimental verification requires careful NIM design and measurement of combined field and material momentum.