Linear and angular momentum properties induced by radial- and azimuthal-variant polarized beams in a strongly focused optical system

Abstract

Optical linear and angular momenta have attracted tremendous research interest in recent years. In this paper we theoretically investigate the electromagnetic fields and linear and angular momentum properties of tightly focused radial- and azimuthal-variant vector input beams. Calculations show that a uniform 3D optical cage can be achieved when the optical degree of freedom of polarization in the radial direction is introduced. Furthermore, the distributions of linear and angular momenta in the focal volume are revealed. Moreover, we numerically investigate the gradient, scattering, and total forces as well as spin and orbital torques on a Rayleigh particle generated by the optical cage. It is found that there are two equilibrium positions before and after the focal plane, both of which can achieve stable 3D particles capture. Most importantly, the longitudinal spin and orbital torques show the same patterns but in opposite directions in the two equilibrium positions, thus, the unwinding of the double helix can be expected to be achieved by virtue of this special optical torque.