Generation of surface optical vortices by evanescent Bessel beams

Abstract

We present that a set of high order Bessel beams when internally reflected at a dielectric/vacuum interface can create distinct evanescent light modes in each of which the intensity distribution is restricted to a sub-wavelength region near the interface outside the dielectric. We believe that this could really facilitate lateral optical manipulation of nano-particles and neutral atoms along the interface. Similarly, the set-up could lead to the formation of two-dimensional surface optical vortices that possibly will give rise to attractive phenomena, including pattern rotation liken to a surface optical Ferris wheel. Applications are envisaged to be in atom lithography, optical surface tweezers, and spanners. Key words: Bessel beam, optical surface tweezers, optical surface spanners.