On Wolter's vortex in total reflection

TL;DR

This paper interprets Wolter's vortex observed in total reflection as a phase defect within the scalar Green and Wolf theory, discussing its implications for wave-particle duality experiments at the single-photon level.

Contribution

It offers a novel interpretation of Wolter's vortex as a phase defect in the scalar wave theory, linking it to fundamental questions in quantum optics.

Findings

Wolter's vortex is a phase defect in scalar wave theory.

The interpretation connects classical wave phenomena with quantum wave-particle duality.

Implications for single-photon experiments are discussed.

Abstract

The "circulatory wave" ("die zirkulierende Welle") put into evidence in 1949 by Wolter (Wolter's vortex) in total reflection is interpreted as a phase defect in the scalar theory of Green and Wolf of 1953, which is the Madelung (hydrodynamic) representation of the optical field. Some comments are added on its possible relevance for the Hamamatsu experiment aimed to clarify the wave-particle duality at the "single photon" level of down-converted laser beams