Optical Angular Momentum

This volume brings together landmark research papers in the field described by the umbrella term "optical angular momentum." After an introductory section including two of the earliest references in the subject, the book goes on to cover spin and orbital angular momentum, laboratory beams carrying angular momentum, and optical forces and torques on particles and atoms. The last two chapters are of particular relevance to current research as they underpin the technique known as optical tweezing, which is finding application in fields as diverse as atom optics (control of atom condensates) and biology (manipulation of cells and DNA). The remaining sections of the book include papers on frequency shifting, nonlinear optics and entanglement.Each chapter will begin with an introduction from the editors outlining the development of the subject and putting each paper into context, and as such the book will be of great value to newcomers to the field, as well as a valuable reference to those already working in the area.