Focus
Spin–orbit interactions
- Focus issue:
- December 2015 Volume 9 No 12
The ability to induce coupling between the spin angular momenta and orbital angular momenta of photons is creating new opportunities for preparing unique states of light and performing new forms of optical manipulation. This focus describes the theory and mechanisms behind the coupling and a discussion of the potential applications.
Editorial
A wonderful spin - p771
doi:10.1038/nphoton.2015.245
First studied more than a decade ago, the field of spin–orbit interactions of light has accelerated in recent years and is now being exploited in nanophotonics and the generation of complex optical fields.
Full Text - A wonderful spin | PDF (187 KB) - A wonderful spin
Commentary
Spin–orbit photonics - pp776 - 778
Filippo Cardano & Lorenzo Marrucci
doi:10.1038/nphoton.2015.232
Spin–orbit optical phenomena involve the interaction of the photon spin with the light wave propagation and spatial distribution, mediated by suitable optical media. Here we present a short overview of the emerging photonic applications that rely on such effects.
Full Text - Spin–orbit photonics | PDF (824 KB) - Spin–orbit photonics
Progress Article
From transverse angular momentum to photonic wheels - pp789 - 795
Andrea Aiello, Peter Banzer, Martin Neugebauer & Gerd Leuchs
doi:10.1038/nphoton.2015.203
This Progress Article details the latest achievements and underlying principles of light carrying transverse spin.The capabilities and future applications of this young yet already advanced field are highlighted.
Abstract - From transverse angular momentum to photonic wheels | Full Text - From transverse angular momentum to photonic wheels | PDF (1,979 KB) - From transverse angular momentum to photonic wheels
Review
Spin–orbit interactions of light - pp796 - 808
K. Y. Bliokh, F. J. Rodríguez-Fortuño, F. Nori & A. V. Zayats
doi:10.1038/nphoton.2015.201
This Review article provides an overview of the fundamental origins and important applications of the main spin–orbit interaction phenomena in modern optics that play a crucial role at subwavelength scales.
Abstract - Spin-orbit interactions of light | Full Text - Spin–orbit interactions of light | PDF (3,341 KB) - Spin–orbit interactions of light