Using this approach, it is very easy to see new, unexpected phenomena in the electromagnetic spin behaviour. For example, we predicted and experimentally observed dynamic behaviour of the transverse spin of guided waves arising due to spin-orbit coupling, which has completely different behaviour from the static transverse spin of evanescent plane waves.
Professor Anatoly Zayats
17 February 2021
Taking Maxwell's equations for a spin
Following in the footsteps of James Clerk Maxwell, a team of researchers across King’s Department of Physics and Shenzhen University have developed a set of equations for spin and momentum of the electromagnetic field.
Using newly developed equations, the team has now demonstrated the unconventional spin properties of the electromagnetic waves carrying orbital angular momentum, which are important for optical communications, quantum technologies, high-resolution imaging and many other fields.
Commenting on this development, Professor Anatoly Zayats, Head of King’s Photonics & Nanotechnology Group, said:
Find out more about this research from the London Centre for Nanotechnology.
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Professor of Physics