Abstract
M. V. Berry’s work [J. Phys. A 43,
415302 (2010)1751-811310.1088/1751-8113/43/41/415302] highlighted
the correspondence between backflow in quantum mechanics and
superoscillations in waves. Superoscillations refer to situations
where the local oscillation of a superposition is faster than its
fastest Fourier component. This concept has been used to
experimentally demonstrate backflow in transverse linear momentum for
optical waves. In the present work, we examine the interference of
classical light carrying only negative orbital angular momenta, and in
the dark fringes of such an interference, we observe positive local
orbital angular momentum. This finding has implications for the
studies of light–matter interaction and represents a step towards
observing quantum backflow in two dimensions.
Funder
Fundacja na rzecz Nauki
Polskiej
European Regional Development
Fund
Subject
Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics,Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials