Analysis of the radiation force and torque exerted on a chiral sphere by a Gaussian beam

Under the framework of generalized Lorenz-Mie theory, we calculate the radiation force and torque exerted on a chiral sphere by a Gaussian beam. The theory and codes for axial radiation force are verified when the chiral sphere degenerates into an isotropic sphere. We discuss the influence of a chirality parameter on the radiation force and torque. Linearly and circularly polarized incident Gaussian beams are considered, and the corresponding radiation forces and torques are compared and analyzed. The polarization of the incident beam considerably influences radiation force of a chiral sphere. In trapping a chiral sphere, therefore, the polarization of incident beams should be chosen in accordance with the chirality. Unlike polarization, variation of chirality slightly affects radiation torque, except when the imaginary part of the chirality parameter is considered. (c) 2013 Optical Society of America