Optical angular momentum in dispersive media

T. G. Philbin and O. Allanson
Phys. Rev. A 86, 055802 – Published 14 November 2012

Abstract

The angular momentum density and flux of light in a dispersive, rotationally symmetric medium are derived from Noether's theorem. Optical angular momentum in a dispersive medium has no simple relation to optical linear momentum, even if the medium is homogeneous. A circularly polarized monochromatic beam in a homogeneous, dispersive medium carries a spin angular momentum of ± per energy ω, as in vacuum. This result demonstrates the nontrivial interplay of dispersive contributions to optical angular momentum and energy.

  • Received 29 May 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.86.055802

©2012 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

T. G. Philbin*

  • Physics and Astronomy Department, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QL, United Kingdom

O. Allanson

  • School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9SS, United Kingdom

  • *t.g.philbin@exeter.ac.uk

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Vol. 86, Iss. 5 — November 2012

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