Prediction of reverse radiation pressure by generalized Lorenz–Mie theory

Abstract

Radiation pressure exerted on a spherical particle by one extremely focused Gaussian beam is investigated by the use of generalized Lorenz-Mie theory (GLMT). Particular attention is devoted to reverse radiation pressure. GLMT predictions for different descriptions of the incident beam are compared with electrostriction predictions when the particle size is smaller than the wavelength and with geometric-optics predictions when the particle size is larger than the wavelength.