Orbital angular momentum of light in optics instruction

Abstract

We present an introduction to the orbital angular momentum of light for use in optics instruction. This type of angular momentum is a new fundamental concept discovered fifteen years ago. It arises in optical beams with helical wave-fronts. We introduce it as part of a fundamental discussion of the momentum of light We also present inexpensive demonstrations of transfer of linear and angular momentum of light using optical tweezers. © 2007 Optical Society of America.