Three-Dimensional Interference Effects in the Mechanical Action of Weak Biharmonic Fields upon Particles with the J = 0→J = 1 Quantum Transition.

Explicit expressions are derived for the rectified radiative forces (RRFs) related to the action of a weak interfering optical field of an arbitrary three-dimensional (3D) configuration upon resonance particles featuring the J = 0 → J = 1 quantum transition. It is shown that, in contrast to the case of a monochromatic field, there are simple 3D biharmonic field configurations for which the ratio of the vortex and potential RRF components can be controlled by adjusting frequencies and polarizations of the interfering light waves. This modification of the RRF structure gives rise to qualitatively different types of both vortex and potential light-induced particle motions that may lead to a 3D spatial localization (confinement) of these particles within the cells of an effective optical lattice with a period significantly greater than the light wavelength. In particular, the particles may perform a stable rotational motion along closed trajectories inside the elementary cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]