Calculating Sideways Force on Lens from Laser Power

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To calculate the sideways force on a lens from a laser directed off-axis, one must consider the average radiation pressure, which is given by intensity divided by the speed of light. The intensity can be derived from the laser power and the area over which it is distributed. The resulting force can be conceptualized by imagining photons as particles being deflected, with their momentum influenced by the laser's wavelength. The angle of deflection relates to the lens's focal length and the number of photons impacting the lens. This approach allows for a classical understanding of the forces at play.
andrewm
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Homework Statement


A laser of power P with wavelength \lambda is directed through a lens (focal length f) off the optical axis by a distance d. What is the sideways force on the lens?


Homework Equations



Not sure. The average radiation pressure is I/c, where I is the intensity. But this does not seem useful.
 
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You can just think of this classicaly.
Imaging a stream of particles being deflect downward by a certain angle - just calculate the resulting force on the deflector.

The angle you get form the focal length - the number of particles (photons) from the intenisty and the momentum form the wavelength
 

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