Laser beams exert torque on microparticles through very different physical mechanisms. In this paper, optical angular momentum transferred by laser light to a trapped absorbing superparamagnetic microsphere has been studied, distinguishing between different contributions. We have found the main contribution to the torque arising from the transfer of the spin angular momentum carried by absorbed laser light. Detailed polarization status contribution of the laser light to the momentum transfer has been then analyzed. A general method to separate and quantify contributions to the optical angular momentum transferred has been developed. We have thus quantified contributions due to radiation pressure, through an effect similar to the wind on a windmill, and contributions arising from magneto-optic effects.

• Received 14 November 2003

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.70.053829