Orbital angular momentum in optical manipulations

Abstract

Abstract Since Allen et al recognized that light beams possessing a helical phase structure can carry orbital angular momentum (OAM), OAM of light has witnessed groundbreaking developments and has founded tremendous applications in a broad range of fields. In this article, beginning with a general introduction to OAM, basic theories, and computational approaches, we provide an overview on recent advances in optical manipulation with OAM. Owing to the distinct characteristics of OAM beams feature, i.e. helical wave front, doughnut intensity profile and certain OAM per photon. Optical manipulation using OAM has demonstrated innovative landscapes, realized the manipulation of particles with different functions ranging from optical spanner, manipulating of low-refractive-index particles, optical sorting and guiding, up to optical spin–orbit interaction and chiral discrimination. This review will be helpful for understanding the mechanisms behind light–matter interaction.