On the light pressure induced in a medium by the non-uniform light intensity distribution

Abstract

We describe the behaviour of the light pressure due to the gradient force that appears in the case when a non-uniform light beam propagates inside a medium. We show its behaviour both inside a medium and at the interface between two media, as well as consider other sources that contribute to this light pressure. We show also that this pressure may contribute to the heating of the propagation medium when the beam is in the microwave or far-infrared region. Discussions regarding some possible applications, as well as a comparison with the usual light pressure, are presented.