Laser planar trapping

Abstract: We investigate the phenomenon of the transverse breaking of symmetry of Gaussian lasers transmitted through dielectrics, showing for which incidence conditions and beam parameters it can be observed in optical experiments. The numerical analysis, done by using the integral form of the transmitted beam at the lower interface of a dielectric prism, shows, for incidence approaching the critical region, a laser planar trapping. By using an analytic approximation for the intensity of lower transmitted beam, we model the wave front curvature by a closed expression which depends on the refractive index, on the geometrical properties of the dielectric block, and, finally, on the incidence angle of the incoming beam. The analytic formula shows an excellent agreement with the numerical analysis and it could be useful in future experimental implementations.