Intrinsic transverse spin angular momentum of fiber eigenmodes

Abstract

We study the transverse spin angular momentum of fiber eigenmodes. As an intrinsic property of fiber eigenmodes, it becomes considerable in optical nanofibers and, especially, increases sharply in the evanescent field. We derive analytical expressions of this angular momentum, and present its density distribution inside andoutside nanofibers. Significantly, we find the optimal ratio of the fiber core radius to the wavelength to obtain the maximum surface transverse spin. For instance, the optimal fiber radius is one fourth of the wavelength for the fundamental mode. Furthermore, we investigate the spin flow of each guided mode on the nanofiber surface and the transverse mechanical effects originated from the transverse spin on small particles.