Explanation for the Transverse Radiation Force Observed on a Vertically Hanging Fiber

Abstract

As shown in the experiment of She {\it et al.} [Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 101}, 243601 (2008)], a weak laser beam sent through a vertically hanging fiber exerts a transverse force and produces a lateral displacement of the fiber's lower end. The experiment is of obvious theoretical interest in connection with the electromagnetic theory of media. Suggested explanations given for this effect in the past include the famous Abraham-Minkowski issue concerning the "correct" photon momentum in matter. In our opinion such an explanation can hardly be right. Instead, we propose instead a very simple description of the effect implying that the sideways deflection is caused by the radiation force on the {\it obliquely cut} lower end face of the fiber. From a calculation based upon geometrical optics, we find quite good agreement with the observations. We present also, as an alternative approach, a calculation involving wave optics instead of geometrical optics, and find comparable results.