The optical torque on small bi-isotropic particles

Abstract

Most previous theoretical studies on the optical torque exerted by light on dipolar particles are incomplete. Here we establish the equations for the time-averaged optical torque on dipolar bi-isotropic particles. Due to the interference of scattered fields, it has a term additional to that commonly employed in theory and experiments. Its consequences for conservation of energy, angular momentum, and effects like negative torques, are discussed.