Abstract
The Goos and Hanchen experiments of 1947 have shown that in total reflection the photons tunnel through the second medium (which we take to be the vacuum), whence a longitudinal shift Δx; Imbert's experiments of 1970 have shown that if the incident beam is circularly polarized there is also a transverse shift Δz, the sign of which depends on the helicity sign. We briefly explain this new phenomenon, first in terms of a generalized geometrical optics where the velocity and momentum of a spinning photon are non-collinear, then in terms of wave optics, using an appropriate class of solutions of Maxwell's equations.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
