Electromagnetic Helicity in Complex Media

Journal article (2018)

Authors

F. Alpeggiani QN/Kuipers Lab - AS , Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft
K. Y. Bliokh Australian National University, RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS)
F. Nori University of Michigan, RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS)
L. Kuipers QN/Quantum Nanoscience , Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft
Research Group
QN/Kuipers Lab (AS) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2018 F. Alpeggiani, K. Y. Bliokh, F. Nori, L. Kuipers
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.120.243605
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Published Date

2018

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Applied Sciences

Department

QN/Quantum Nanoscience

Research Group

QN/Kuipers Lab

Abstract

Optical helicity density is usually discussed for monochromatic electromagnetic fields in free space. It plays an important role in the interaction with chiral molecules or nanoparticles. Here we introduce the optical helicity density in a dispersive isotropic medium. Our definition is consistent with biorthogonal Maxwell electromagnetism in optical media and the Brillouin energy density as well as with the recently introduced canonical momentum and spin of light in dispersive media. We consider a number of examples, including electromagnetic waves in dielectrics, negative-index materials, and metals, as well as interactions of light in a medium with chiral and magnetoelectric molecules.

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