Asymmetric longitudinal optical binding force between two identical dielectric particles with electric and magnetic dipolar responses

In general, the optical binding force between identical particles is thought to be symmetric. However, we demonstrate analytically a counterintuitively asymmetric longitudinal two electric and magnetic dipolar dielectric particles. This homodimer confined in counterpropagating incoherent plane waves along dimer's axis. The consists of dipolar, electric-magnetic coupling interactions. combined effect these interactions markedly different than expected behavior Rayleigh approximation. result forward backward scattering due hybridization Consequently, it leads harmonic driving on pair, which decays with interparticle distance first power. We show rich nonequilibrium dynamics dimer impelled by forces discuss ranges particle refractive index size arises. Our results open perspectives for light-driven multiparticle transport self-assembly.3 MoreReceived 18 November 2021Revised 8 May 2022Accepted 2 June 2022DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.106.013108©2022 American Physical SocietyPhysics Subject Headings (PhySH)Research AreasCooling & trappingLaser-cluster interactionLight-matter interactionAtomic, Molecular Optical