Impact of ultra-light particles on polarization of laser light in strong external fields

The recent results by the PVLAS group on possible changes of polarization of laser light in a transverse magnetic field are beyond the QED expectations by many orders of magnitude. If confirmed, they may indicate new physics associated with ultra-light particles. I describe here how the polarization of light is modified in an external magnetic field by interactions with a spin-zero particle of no definite parity. While the PVLAS-type experiments cannot tell such a particle from one with definite parity, the parity property could be studied in photon regeneration experiments if the polarization of the regenerated photons could be measured. This talk was based on my recent work.     

Impact of spin-zero particle-photon interactions on light polarization in external magnetic fields

If the recent PVLAS results on polarization changes of a linearly polarized laser beam passing through a magnetic field are interpreted by an axion-like particle, it is almost certain that it is not a standard QCD axion. Considering this, we study the general effective interactions of photons with spin-zero particles without restricting the latter to be a pseudo-scalar or a scalar, i.e., a parity eigenstate. At the lowest order in effective field theory, there are two dimension-5 interactions, each of which has previously been treated separately for a pseudo-scalar or a scalar particle. By following the evolution in an external magnetic field of the system of spin-zero particles and photons, we compute the changes in light polarization and the transition probability for two experimental set-ups: one-way propagation and round-trip propagation. While the first may be relevant for astrophysical sources of spin-zero particles, the second applies to laboratory optical experiments like PVLAS. In the one-way propagation, interesting phenomena can occur for special configurations of polarization where, for instance, transition occurs but light polarization does not change. For the round-trip propagation, however, the standard results of polarization changes for a pseudoscalar or a scalar are only modified by a factor that depends on the relative strength of the two interactions.     

Interrelationship between the polarization moments of different parity upon optical pumping of atoms under magnetic resonance conditions: II. Theory

The mutual coupling between the polarization moments with ranks of different parity is theoretically considered. The manifestation of this mutual coupling has been revealed previously in experiments on magnetic resonance of optically oriented cesium atoms. The two well-known types of the coupling between the polarization moments are considered: the field coupling of these moments that occur due to the breaking of the hyperfine coupling between the electronic and nuclear moments of the alkali atom by the magnetic field and the light coupling of the moments due to the absorption of the pumping light by polarized atoms. The experimentally observed similarity in the shape of resonance signals of alignment and orientation upon circularly polarized pumping can be explained by the fact that, for alkali atoms, the generation of alignment by light at the wavelength of the D ₁ line is of low efficiency. Therefore, alignment arises mainly from orientation by means of either the field or the light coupling of polarization moments. For metastable 2³ S ₁ ⁴He atoms, no influence of the orientation on the alignment was observed because, in these atoms, the field coupling between the polarization moments is absent and the light coupling is not displayed because the generation of alignment by the circularly polarized pumping light is more efficient than the creation of alignment from orientation by means of light coupling of polarization moments.     

Zitterbewegung in quantum theory with definite parity of operators

It is shown that in relativistic quantum theory with definite parity of the operators the phenomenon of Zitterbewegung obtains a simple physical interpretation convenient for further application in the semiclassical situation. An equation of motion that conserves the parity of operators with allowance for Zitterbewegung is formulated. The conditions for conservation of the parity of the momentum and spin operators give criteria for the applicability of the semiclassical equations of motion of a charge and spin in external fields. The possibilities of equations with definite parity of the operators in the presence of zitterbewegung are demonstrated for the examples of a free particle and a charge moving in a homogeneous magnetic field.Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 2, pp. 5–9, February, 1991.     

Linear polarization degree for detecting magnetic properties of small particles

Motivated by the recent advances with magnetic nanoparticles, in this research we propose a new technique for their characterization based on the measurement of certain polarimetric parameters of the scattered light, such as the linear polarization degree when it is determined at a "right-angle" scattering configuration. We will show the sensitivity of its spectral evolution with the magnetic properties of the particle.     

Extinction of polarized light in ferrofluids with different magnetic particle concentrations

The magnetic field intensity and nanoparticle concentration dependence of the polarized light extinction in a ferrofluid made of magnetite particles stabilized with technical grade oleic acid dispersed in transformer oil was experimentally investigated. The magnetically induced optical anisotropy, i.e. the dichroism divided by concentration, was found to decrease with increasing sample concentration from 2% to 8%. The magnetically induced change in the optical extinction of light polarized at 54.74° with respect to the magnetic field direction was found to be positive for the less concentrated sample (2%) and negative for the samples with 4% and 8% magnetic nanoparticle concentrations, the more negative the higher the concentration and field intensity. Based on the theoretically proven fact [11] that the particle orientation mechanism has no effect on the extinction of light polarized at 54.74° with respect to the field direction, we analyzed the experimental findings in the frames of the agglomeration and long-range pair correlations theories for the magnetically induced optical anisotropy in ferrofluids. We developed a theoretical model in the approximation of single scattering for the optical extinction coefficient of a ferrofluid with magnetically induced particle agglomeration. The model predicts the existence of a polarization independent component of the optical extinction coefficient that is experimentally measurable at 54.74° polarization angle. The change in the optical extinction of light polarized at 54.74° is positive if only the formation of straight n-particle chains is considered and may become negative in the hypothesis that the longer chains degenerate to more isotropic structures (polymer-like coils, globules or bundles of chains). The model for the influence on the light absorption of the long-range pair correlations, published elsewhere, predicts that the change in the optical extinction of light polarized at 54.74° is always negative, the more negative the higher the magnetic field intensity and particle concentration.     

Photon regeneration from pseudoscalars at X-ray laser facilities

Recently, the PVLAS Collaboration reported an anomalously large rotation of the polarization of light in the presence of a magnetic field in vacuum. As a possible explanation, they consider the existence of a light spin-zero particle coupled to two photons. We propose here a method of independently testing this result using a high-energy photon regeneration experiment (the x-ray analogue of "invisible light shining through walls") using the synchrotron x rays from a free-electron laser. With such an experiment the region of parameter space implied by PVLAS could be probed in a matter of minutes.     

Polarization in D-shaped fiber modulated by magneto-optical dichroism of magnetic fluid

The polarization of a D-shaped fiber is modulated after immersing it in magnetic fluid(MF)and applying a magnetic field.Theoretical analysis predicts that magneto-optical dichroism of MF plays a key role in light polarization modulation.During light polarization modulation,the evanescent wave polarized parallel to the magnetic field has greater loss than its orthogonal component.Light polarization of a D-shaped fiber with a wide polished surface can be modulated easily.High concentration MF and a large magnetic field all have great ability to modulate light polarization.     

Polarization of light backscattered by small particles

We study scattering of light by wavelength-scale spherical, cubic, and spheroidal particles as well as clusters of spherical particles for equal-volume-sphere size parameters 4≤x≤10 and refractive indices 1.1≤m≤2.0. Such particles exhibit three specific features in the regime of backscattering: first, the intensity shows a backscattering peak; second, the degree of linear polarization for unpolarized incident light is negative; and, third, the depolarization ratio is double-lobed. We find that the overall characteristics of the scattering-matrix elements can be explained by an internal field composed of waves propagating in opposite directions near the particle perimeter and forming standing waves, as well as a wave propagating forward with the wavelength of the internal medium. When moving from the central axis of the particle toward its perimeter, the internal field changes from a forward-propagating wave with a wavelength dictated by the particle refractive index toward a standing wave with an apparent wavelength of the surrounding medium. The mapping of the internal field to the scattered far field is like an interference dial where rotation of the dial by a quarter of a wavelength on the particle perimeter results in a change from a destructive to constructive interference feature in the angular patterns (or vice versa). The dial is a manifestation of a well-known rule of thumb: the number of maxima or minima in the scattering-matrix elements is given by the size parameter. We explain the backscattering peak as deriving from the backward-propagating internal wave near the particle perimeter. Negative polarization follows from the spatial asymmetry of the internal fields: inside the particle, the fields are amplified near the central plane perpendicular to the polarization state of incident light, resulting in more pronounced interference effects for the perpendicular polarization than for the parallel polarization. The double-lobe feature in the depolarization results from the same internal-field structure with leading cross-polarized fields located slightly different from the copolarized fields. We discuss practical implications of these findings for the retrieval of particle sizes, shapes, and refractive indices from observations and laboratory experiments.     

基于偏振门的动态光散射颗粒测量法的研究

为了解决动态光散射纳米颗粒测量技术无法测量高浓度颗粒粒径的难题,提出了一种基于偏振门的动态光散射测量法。从动态光散射和Mie理论出发,理论分析了在高浓度溶液下多重散射效应对散射光偏振态和颗粒粒度测量结果的影响。根据散射光偏振特点,结合偏振门检测技术,改进了传统的动态光散射光学系统。实验研究了在低浓度和高浓度溶液时,不同偏振角度下的散射光强和粒度测量值,完善了散射光的偏振理论。采用90°偏振门检偏,通过各种浓度下的实验,证明了方法的可行性。该方法较之目前同类方法具有原理和结构简单,系统易于维护的特点。     

Hyperfine quenching of polarized two-electron ions in an external magnetic field

The hyperfine quenching mechanism of metastable states in polarized heliumlike heavy ions is considered. The lifetime dependence of these states on the ion polarization in an external magnetic field is established. This dependence is presented for the ²³P₀ state of the europium (Z=63) ion and is proposed as a method for the measurement of the ion polarization in experiments for the search of parity violating effects.     

Spin rotation as an element of polarization experiments on elastic electron-proton scattering

The validity of some rules in the classical theory of spin, which are followed by the Bargmann-Michel-Telegdi formula for a relativistic particle spin rotation in a constant homogeneous magnetic field, is analyzed. In the framework of the quantum theory, we give examples where these rules are violated. Consequences for polarization experiments are discussed.     

Polarisationseffekte des Fluoreszenzlichtes von Anthrazenkristallen und Plastikszintillator in Abhängigkeit von Deuteronenenergie und Temperatur

Investigations of the optical isotropic plastic scintillator showed that the fluorescence light is more polarized perpendicular than parallel to the particle impact direction. Furtheron the fluorescence light polarization of anthracene crystals proved to be dependent on particle impact direction. Both the degree of fluorescence light polarization of plastic scintillator and the dependence of fluorescence light polarization of anthracene crystals could be explained by the mechanism of energy travelling from direct excited to light emitting molecules.     

Causal stochastic interpretation of quantum statistics

The differences between Einstein and Bohr on the interpretation of quantum mechanics revolved around the question of completeness of the Copenhagen Interpretation. This fundamental problem is examined here in the light of recent neutron interference experiments which allow for novel experimental situations. Exploiting the possibility of neutron spin flip in these experiments, the inadequacy of the Copenhagen interpretation to fully understand the experimental results is brought out. Instead a causal interpretation of quantum mechanics is advocated, in which the neutron, as a particle, does always have a definite space time trajectory but also involves a wave which creates a potential affecting the particle neutron. The reestablishment of definite particle trajectories in the microscopic domain obliges us to reexamine the statistical treatment of ‘identical’ particles, as well as the problem of negative energies and probabilities in relativistic quantum mechanics.     

Cold atom trap with zero residual magnetic field: the ac magneto-optical trap

A novel atom trap is described using alternating current to generate the magnetic B field, together with high speed polarization switching of the damping laser field. This combination produces a trap as effective as a standard magneto-optical trap (MOT), with the advantage that the average B field is zero. No net current is hence induced in surrounding conductive elements, and the B field produced by the ac MOT is found to switch off >300 times faster than a conventional MOT. New experiments can hence be performed, including charged particle probing or detection of the cold target ensemble.     

Dichroism of impurity crystals without inversion center induced by energy term linear in wavevector

The effect of a parity violation in hexagonal crystals without inversion center has been investigated. The transition 1s-2s of an electron bound to a donor is shown to be dipole allowed. In a weak magnetic field the spin-flip transitions take place only at a definite sign of a photon circulation. Their intensities is almost independent of the value of the magnetic field.     

Reinterpretation of two-photon interference experiment using advanced field

The recent two-photon interference experiments by Wang, Zou, and Mandel, with and without a time-dependent light switch introduced into one of interferometer arms, indicate the collapse of photon waves along empty arms, not travelled by the detected photon, at a critical moment on the light cone backwards from the detected photon. It is proposed to interpret the Schrödinger's retarded wave equation as an operator acting on the advanced field satisfying the final condition of the experiment. In this time-symmetrical formulation the advanced field of the detected particle guides the retarded wave from the particle source not to enter empty arms, and the critical moment is interpreted as the time of the passage of the advanced field through the light switch. By changing the relative optical lengths of interferometer arms and observing the independence of the result of the experiment on the relative position of the detectors, we could conceive of the unarousal of the empty wave destined to collapse.     

射频场控制的磁子能级中单色激光吸收抑制

理论上研究了射频场作用下多塞曼能级系统中单色激光的吸收抑制现象.一束单色线偏振或者椭圆偏振的激光作用于铷原子两能级间,线或椭圆偏振矢量方向与磁场方向垂直.在磁场中冷铷原子能级发生分裂,通过一个射频场将这些磁子能级耦合起来.当扫描射频场频率时,计算表明原子对单色光的吸收谱中出现了透射峰,类似于电磁诱导透明现象,光吸收减弱,光场透射增强.对于线性偏振或者椭圆偏振的单色光均能得到透射增强的结果 .这种现象完全不同于通常光泵磁共振实验中射频场与磁子能级谐振时光被吸收最多的现象.这种扫描射频场频率时单色光的透射增强现象来自于磁子能级间的相干效应.计算表明在扫描射频场频率时单色光吸收谱中出现的透射峰与射频场的拉比频率和椭圆偏振光的左旋和右旋圆偏振成分相关.这种射频场控制的单色光透射增强效应在磁场测量,光信息处理等领域有潜在的应用价值.     

射频场控制的磁子能级中单色激光吸收抑制

理论上研究了射频场作用下多塞曼能级系统中单色激光的吸收抑制现象.一束单色线偏振或者椭圆偏振的激光作用于铷原子两能级间,线或椭圆偏振矢量方向与磁场方向垂直.在磁场中冷铷原子能级发生分裂,通过一个射频场将这些磁子能级耦合起来.当扫描射频场频率时,计算表明原子对单色光的吸收谱中出现了透射峰,类似于电磁诱导透明现象,光吸收减弱,光场透射增强.对于线性偏振或者椭圆偏振的单色光均能得到透射增强的结果.这种现象完全不同于通常光泵磁共振实验中射频场与磁子能级谐振时光被吸收最多的现象.这种扫描射频场频率时单色光的透射增强现象来自于磁子能级间的相干效应.计算表明在扫描射频场频率时单色光吸收谱中出现的透射峰与射频场的拉比频率和椭圆偏振光的左旋和右旋圆偏振成分相关.这种射频场控制的单色光透射增强效应在磁场测量,光信息处理等领域有潜在的应用价值.