Momentum Exchange between Light and a Single Atom: Abraham or Minkowski?

E. A. Hinds and Stephen M. Barnett
Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 050403 – Published 3 February 2009

Abstract

We consider forces on an atom due to a plane-wave light pulse. The standard view of the optical dipole force indicates that red-detuned light should attract the atom towards high intensity. While the atom is inside the pulse, this would increase the average momentum per photon from p0 to p0n, where n is the average refractive index due to the presence of the atom. We show, however, that this is the wrong conclusion and that the dispersive forces repel the atom from the light in this particular case, giving the photons a momentum p0/n. This leads us to identify Abraham’s optical momentum with the kinetic momentum transfer. The form due to Minkowski is similarly associated with the canonical momentum. We consider the possibility of demonstrating this in the laboratory, and we note an unexpected connection with the Aharonov-Casher effect.

  • Figure
  • Received 17 November 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.102.050403

©2009 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

E. A. Hinds

  • Centre for Cold Matter, Imperial College, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom

Stephen M. Barnett

  • SUPA, Department of Physics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0NG, United Kingdom

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Issue

Vol. 102, Iss. 5 — 6 February 2009

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