Abstract

Macroscopic continuity equation for spin momentum of radiation in vacuum is obtained. On the basis of continuity equations for spin and angular momentum (AM) the refined description of the classical R.A. Beth's experiment (that is with the of reflections on both the faces of the plate) is developed. It is demonstrated that a quarter-wavelength plate transforms a spin flux--0 radiation field into a spin flux--1 one. The effect of nonmonochromaticity of the incident beam is studied. The passage of beams with their own AM and finite lateral extent through a quarter-wave plate is considered.

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