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Lateral optical force on an isotropic dimer induced by high-order multiple scattering under arbitrary polarization
Optics Express
|May 4, 2026
Summary
Generating lateral optical force on symmetric objects is challenging. Circular polarization requires higher-order scattering, unlike linear polarization, offering new optical manipulation possibilities.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Optical Manipulation
- Electromagnetism
Background:
- Generating lateral optical force (LOF) on mirror-symmetric objects typically requires complex structured light.
- Linear polarization can induce LOF via first-order scattering, but this is limited for arbitrary polarization states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fundamental origin of LOF on isotropic dimers under different polarization states.
- To explore the role of polarization in symmetry breaking and LOF generation.
Main Methods:
- Developed a rigorous multiple-scattering model.
- Analyzed LOF generation under linear and circular polarization.
- Investigated scattering in the Mie regime.
Main Results:
- Linear polarization induces LOF via first-order symmetry breaking.
- Circular polarization-induced LOF emerges only through higher-order re-scattering (fourth order).
- Scattered field symmetry breaking is polarization-tuned in the Mie regime.
Conclusions:
- Polarization state dictates LOF generation dynamics, switching between low-order and high-order scattering.
- Findings challenge single-scattering approximations and offer a theoretical basis for all-optical sorting and transport.
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