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Area of Science:

  • Physics
  • Optics
  • Electromagnetism

Background:

  • Light possesses intrinsic spin angular momentum (SAM) due to rotating electric and magnetic fields.
  • The calculation of light's SAM density typically uses a vector equation and the right-hand rule.
  • Existing models decompose the Poynting vector into orbital and spin currents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present the first general study of the decomposition of light's spin angular momentum (SAM).
  • To introduce and analyze two distinct terms: canonical spin and Poynting spin.
  • To explore the implications of this decomposition for light-matter interactions and optical phenomena.

Main Methods:

  • Decomposition of the light's SAM density vector equation using Maxwell's equations.
  • Analysis of the properties and behavior of the derived canonical and Poynting spin components.
  • Investigation of the influence of optical vortices and spatial field variations on these spin components.

Main Results:

  • The spin angular momentum (SAM) density can be decomposed into two chiral terms: canonical spin and Poynting spin.
  • Canonical spin is analogous to canonical momentum and is directly measurable.
  • Both canonical and Poynting spin are influenced by optical vortices and spatial field variations.
  • A linearly polarized vortex beam with zero total SAM can generate longitudinal chiral pressure.

Conclusions:

  • The decomposition provides a new framework for understanding light's spin angular momentum (SAM).
  • Canonical and Poynting spins offer chiral analogies to canonical and spin momenta in light-matter interactions.
  • This decomposition reveals mechanisms for generating chiral forces, even from beams lacking net SAM.