Radiation forces of a dielectric medium plate induced by a Gaussian beam

Based on the angular spectrum method, we investigate the radiation forces on a finite-size dielectric medium plate induced by a Gaussian beam. The formulas for the radiation force along longitudinal and transverse direction are derived, and numerically calculation is performed. It is shown that for the finite-size dielectric medium plate, the radiation forces exerted by the Gaussian beam is dependent upon the angle and position of a single ray striking on the plate and the intensity of light. Our numerical results indicate that if we choose the appropriate parameters there will be enough transverse forces to overcome the gravity force, making the plate move upwards. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.