Lightcompas (Exploring light-matter interactions and forces in complex particle arrays)

The aim of Lightcompas is the development of new theories, conceptual models, computational tools, and experimental activities, able to explain and understand the rich phenomenology that emerges from the interaction of light with complex systems exhibiting various optical responses, including the optical forces exerted on them.

Lightcompas will achieve several global objectives, focused on understanding light-matter interaction and forces in systems consisting of highly complex particle arrays presenting quite unconventional electromagnetic responses. The arrays are, in practice, planar arrays (metasurfaces) of sub-wavelength entities with an inherently peculiar response where the lattice arrangement modifies the emerging fields, giving rise to non-trivial dynamical responses. The long term goals of the projects are:
a)Theoretical foundations of electromagnetic forces and radiation.
b)Periodic arrays of nanostructures
c) Reciprocal vs. Non-reciprocal dichroism.
d) Optical evolving matter by optical binding inside and outside the photon beam.