Optical electrostriction

Richard G. Crisp; David L. Andrews

doi:10.1117/12.698609

9 February 2007 Optical electrostriction

Richard G. Crisp, David L. Andrews

Proceedings Volume 6483, Complex Light and Optical Forces; 648304 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.698609
Event: Integrated Optoelectronic Devices 2007, 2007, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

It is well known that the forces which light imparts on micro- and nanoparticles arise due to intensity gradients and dielectric mismatch. For laser-irradiated atoms and molecules, optical forces primarily result from close resonance between the optical frequency and an electronic transition. Recently it has emerged that optically induced pair forces also arise, through a modification of Casimir-Polder interactions; preliminary assessments of the mechanism have largely centered on nanoparticle systems. In this paper, we show that a potentially very significant effect can be anticipated in the condensed phase, an optically induced modification of interatomic forces that is capable of generating anisotropic patterns of laser-induced compression and expansion. This phenomenon, termed optical electrostriction, should be measurable and significant when high intensity laser light is transmitted through even an essentially nonabsorptive material. However, the full conditions for observation of the effect are such that some competing interactions might also arise. Key parameters that determine the size and character of optical electrostriction are delineated and possible applications are considered, including optical actuators for nanoscale electromechanical systems.

Citation Download Citation

Richard G. Crisp and David L. Andrews "Optical electrostriction", Proc. SPIE 6483, Complex Light and Optical Forces, 648304 (9 February 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.698609

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available