Forces in the Interaction of Light with Matter

Abstract

It is well established that the interaction of light with matter generally imparts mechanical forces and associated torques. Where laser light is involved, such effects can be deployed for the microscale and nanoscale manipulation of matter, giving rise to notable applications in wide areas of physics, chemistry, and the life sciences. The diversity of applications is enriched not only by the complexity of the constitution of matter, but also by the structure of the laser light itself, according to its polarisation, amplitude, and phase. This article reviews in comprehensive terms the origins of laser-based optical forces and their manifestations in a variety of current contexts and applications.