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 t hree-dimensional (3D) configuration upon resonance particles featuring the J = 0 --> J = 1 quantum transition. It is shown that, in contrast to the ca se of a monochromatic field, there are simple 3D biharmonic field configura tions for which the ratio of the vortex and potential RRF components can be controlled by adjusting frequencies and polarizations of the interfering l ight waves. This modification of the RRF structure gives rise to qualitativ ely different types of both vortex and potential light-induced particle mot ions that may lead to a 3D spatial localization (confinement) of these part icles within the cells of an effective optical lattice with a period signif icantly greater than the light wavelength. In particular, the particles may perform a stable rotational motion along closed trajectories inside the el ementary cells. (C) 2001 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica".