Magneto-electric momentum transfer to atoms and molecules

Rikken G.L.J.A. (1) , B. van Tiggelen (2)

1 LNCMP - Laboratoire National des Champs Magnétiques Pulsés
2 LPM2C - Laboratoire de physique et modélisation des milieux condensés

We report the first observation of mechanical momentum transferred to atoms and molecules upon application of crossed electric and magnetic fields. We identify this momentum as the microscopic analogue of the classical Abraham force. Several predictions of additional magneto-electrically induced mechanical momentum are addressed. One of them, proposed to result from the interaction with the quantum vacuum, is experimentally refuted, others are found to be currently below experimental detection.

Domaines: Optique [physics.optics]

Rikken G.L.J.A., B. van Tiggelen. Magneto-electric momentum transfer to atoms and molecules. 2011. ⟨hal-00611096⟩