Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 19, 2025

An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids
Published on: December 4, 2017
Spin-Orbit Angular Momentum Conversion in Coupled Nonparaxial Bessel Acoustic Vortices
Di-Chao Chen1,2, Qian Mo1, Da-Jian Wu1
1Institute of Acoustics, School of Physics and Technology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
Researchers demonstrate acoustic spin-orbit angular momentum (AM) conversion, enabling precise contactless manipulation of micro-objects. This breakthrough offers new possibilities for acoustic sensing, imaging, and particle control.
Area of Science:
- Acoustics
- Wave Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Longitudinal acoustic waves possess both spin and orbital angular momentum (AM).
- Separating and measuring these AM components is challenging.
- Direct wave field measurements are difficult for studying both AM types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To theoretically explain and experimentally prove acoustic spin-orbit AM conversion.
- To develop a formulaic description for spin-orbit AM conversion in coupled Bessel acoustic vortices.
- To demonstrate contactless manipulation of micro-objects using this phenomenon.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical derivation of spin-orbit AM conversion in nonparaxial Bessel acoustic vortices.
- Experimental wave field measurements using passive artificial structures.
- Observation of Rayleigh particle rotation and circular translation.
Main Results:
- Successful theoretical explanation and experimental validation of acoustic spin-orbit AM conversion.
- Demonstration of conversion using passive artificial structures.
- Contactless, high-resolution manipulation of micro-objects, including controlled rotation and translation.
Conclusions:
- This work provides fundamental insights into the AM physics of classical waves.
- The demonstrated spin-orbit AM conversion has significant implications for acoustic sensing and imaging.
- Applications include advanced particle manipulation using acoustic radiation forces and torques.
Related Concept Videos
Conservation of Angular Momentum: Application
Conservation of Angular Momentum
Angular Momentum: Single Particle
Angular Momentum about an Arbitrary Axis
The velocity of a mass element comprises its translational velocity and the relative velocity instigated by the body's rotation. Substituting the velocity equation into...
Angular Momentum
Spin–Spin Coupling Constant: Overview
Qualitatively, any spin plus-half nucleus polarizes the spins of its electrons to the minus-half state. Consequently, the paired electron in the hydrogen–carbon bond must...

