Broad Band Radiation Gradient Forces in Space

Helmut Ritsch (U of Innsbruck)

Feb 15. 2023, 10:05 — 10:30

Light forces are classified in radiation pressure via resonant absorption with incoherent re-emission and gradient forces via coherent scattering. While usually attributed to laser light, gradient forces also appear in spatially inhomogeneous broadband radiation. Surprisingly, the thermal radiation of a hot sphere can create an attractive net force despite the repulsive radiation pressure. Hence the sun is an optical trap for hydrogen. Novel inter-particle forces also appear via collective scattering of broadband light by several particles. Using quantum optics techniques we propose foundational studies of gradient forces on atoms or nano-particles in generic astrophysical scenarios.

Further Information
Venue:
ESI Boltzmann Lecture Hall
Recordings:
Recording
Associated Event:
Blackbody Radiation Induced Effects and Phenomena (Workshop)
Organizer(s):
Philipp Haslinger (TU Vienna)
Francesco Intravaia (HU Berlin)
Arkadiusz Kosior (U of Innsbruck)
Dennis Rätzel (ZARM, Bremen)