By means of the optical Bloch equations based on the atomic density matrix elements, the general expressions of the average dissipative force, dipole force and the mechanical torque acting on a A-configuration three-level atom in a linearly-polarized Laguerre-Gaussian beam (LGB) with an angular momentum of lh are derived, and the general properties of the average dissipative and dipole force on the three-level atom in the linearly-polarized LGB are analysed. We find a resonant property (with two resonant peaks) of the dissipative force and a non-resonant property (with two pairs of non-resonant peaks) of the dipole force on the three-level atom, which are completely different from those on the two-level atom. Our study also shows that all of general expressions on the three-level atom will be simplified to those on the two-level atom in the approximation of large detuning.
By means of the optical Bloch equations based on the atomic density matrix elements, the general expressions of the average dissipative force, dipole force and the mechanical torque acting on a Λ-configuration three-level atom in a linearly-polarized Laguerre–Gaussian beam (LGB) with an angular momentum of l ℏ are derived, and the general properties of the average dissipative and dipole force on the three-level atom in the linearly-polarized LGB are analysed. We find a resonant property (with two resonant peaks) of the dissipative force and a non-resonant property (with two pairs of non-resonant peaks) of the dipole force on the three-level atom, which are completely different from those on the two-level atom. Our study also shows that all of general expressions on the three-level atom will be simplified to those on the two-level atom in the approximation of large detuning.
The leading radiation forces acting on an atom or ion subject to linearly polarized Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) light are studied. Particular emphasis is laid on the orbital angular momentum effects associated with LG light. The optical Bloch equations appropriate for the adiabatic approximation are derived and used to evaluate the forces and associated torque governing the atomic motion. The steady-state dynamics of the atom are explored for atoms subject to a single beam and multiple independent counterpropagating beams. The main features responsible for the dynamics of the atom, together with the dipole potentials characteristic of Laguerre-Gaussian light, are identified and discussed. The theory is illustrated by the numerical integration of the equation of motion for
Mg+ ions in various beam configurations. This yields information on trajectories, velocity evolution, and vibrational frequencies at potential minima. Interesting effects involving a reciprocal interplay between motions in orthogonal directions are demonstrated. Such features are purely dependent on the orbital angular momentum property of the light. Their possible use in controlling atomic motion is investigated. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.