Optical forces and torques exerted on coupled silica nanospheres: unexpected effects due to the multiple scattering

TL;DR

This paper reveals unexpected optical forces and torques on coupled silica nanospheres caused by multiple scattering, which could impact the design of nanoscale photonic devices and nanorotators.

Contribution

It uncovers new degrees of freedom and unanticipated torques in coupled nanospheres due to multiple scattering effects, expanding understanding of optical forces at mesoscale.

Findings

Multiple scattering induces unexpected torques and unbalanced forces.

Spin contributions can influence the movement of nanoparticle systems.

Results are applicable to arbitrary mesoscale systems and relevant for nanodevice engineering.

Abstract

Optically coupled nanoparticles suffer the action of multiple electromagnetic forces when they are illuminated by light. In general, two kinds of forces are commonly assumed: binding forces that make them attract/repel each other and scattering forces that push the system forwards. Tangential forces and orbital torques can also be induced to align the dimer with the electric field. In this work, new degrees of freedom are found for a dimer of silica nanospheres under illumination with linearly-polarized plane waves. The results have a general validity for arbitrary mesoscale systems: multiple scattering of light induces unexpected torques and unbalanced forces. These torques include spin contributions to the movement of the whole system. The results are supported by previous works and pave the way for the engineering of nanoscale devices and nanorotators. Any application which is based on photonics at mesoscales should take into account the new movements predicted here.