Tailoring radiation pressure on infinite slab using pair of non-collinear plane waves

The electromagnetic field exerts radiation pressure on the matter and tends to move it either in the backward or forward direction due to net optical pulling or pushing force, respectively. In this work, we reveal an interesting phenomenon of local positive and negative radiation pressure on a dielectric (chiral) slab by using two linearly (circularly) polarized plane waves. In this regard, we develop for the first time, a theory to describe the local radiation pressure appearing due to the interference between the two obliquely impinging (non-collinear) light sources. Under this situation, the radiation pressure strongly depends on the angle of incidence, the polarization of the electromagnetic field and the chirality parameters of the slab (in the case of chiral medium). Our numerical analysis shows that the radiation pressure, exerted on a dielectric or a chiral slab due to the two incident plane waves, is constant over the slab for normal incidence, and it varies locally for an oblique incidence, which indeed follows the conservation laws at all incident angles. It is expected that the results may find fruitful applications in the optical manipulation of soft matter, for instance, cell membranes, chiral surfaces and other soft materials.

Automated summary

Using two linearly (circularly) polarized plane waves, an intriguing phenomenon of local positive and negative radiation pressure on dielectric (chiral) slabs is revealed. A theory is developed for the first time to describe the local radiation pressure caused by the interference between the two obliquely impinging (non-collinear) light sources. Numerical analysis shows that the radiation pressure on the slabs strongly depends on the angle of incidence, polarization, and chirality parameters.