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Researchers create light beam with zero net spin

Original: What if light could spin itself? Researchers at Wits University and UEA prepared a beam with zero net spin. As it travel

Researchers at Wits University and the University of East Anglia have prepared a light beam with zero net spin that develops left- and right-handed regions as it travels through empty space, with the separation controlled by a single topological number. The work required no special materials or tight constraints, and is drawing attention as a striking demonstration of topology shaping how light behaves in free space.

Why now: The counterintuitive behaviour of a spin-free light beam restructuring itself in empty space fascinates physics enthusiasts.

Wits UniversityUniversity of East Anglia

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• What if light could spin itself? Researchers at Wits University and UEA prepared a beam with zero net spin. As it travelled through empty space, left- and right-handed regions appeared and separated, controlled by a single topological number. No special materials or tight… · fusimotors · 3

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