Topological momentum skyrmions in Mie scattering fields

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Metamaterials

Background:

• Topological structures like skyrmions and merons are crucial for controlling and transferring energy in light-matter interactions.
• These structures have not been observed in canonical momentum fields, which are key for mechanical transfer between optical and matter fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reveal the universal generation of skyrmionic structures within the canonical momentum of light.
• To demonstrate the topological stability of canonical momentum skyrmions and merons.
• To compare these novel structures with established fields like Poynting vector and optical spin.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing multipole Mie scattering fields to generate topological structures.
• Analyzing canonical momentum fields to identify skyrmionic and meronic structures.
• Comparing topological stability across canonical momentum, Poynting vector, and optical spin fields.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the universal generation of skyrmionic structures in the canonical momentum of light.
• Confirmed the distinct topological stability of canonical momentum skyrmions and merons.
• Established a direct link between these topological fields and observable radiation pressure.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a new understanding of topological phenomena in light-matter interactions.
• Canonical momentum fields offer a direct method for measuring energetic structures in optical fields.
• This research paves the way for advancements in optical forces, metamaterial design, and topological physics.