Laser planar trapping

TL;DR

This paper explores the conditions under which Gaussian lasers exhibit transverse symmetry breaking when transmitted through dielectrics, introducing an analytic model for laser planar trapping that aligns well with numerical results.

Contribution

It provides an analytic approximation for the wave front curvature during laser planar trapping, enhancing understanding and potential experimental applications.

Findings

Analytic formula accurately models wave front curvature.

Transverse symmetry breaking occurs near the critical incidence region.

Numerical analysis confirms the validity of the analytic approximation.

Abstract

We investigate the phenomenon of the transverse breaking of symmetry of Gaussian lasers transmitted through dielectrics, showing for which incidence conditions and beam parameters it can be observed in optical experiments. The numerical analysis, done by using the integral form of the transmitted beam at the lower interface of a dielectric prism, shows, for incidence approaching the critical region, a laser planar trapping. By using an analytic approximation for the intensity of lower transmitted beam, we model the wave front curvature by a closed expression which depends on the refractive index, on the geometrical properties of the dielectric block, and, finally, on the incidence angle of the incoming beam. The analytic formula shows an excellent agreement with the numerical analysis and it could be useful in future experimental implementations.