Poynting Vector Direction for Au Nanosphere in Water (Wave Optics Simulation)

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I am conducting a wave optics simulation using COMSOL to study the optical properties of a gold (Au) nanosphere immersed in water under visible light illumination.

During the simulation, I visualized the Poynting vector on the particle's surface.

Surprisingly, I observed that the Poynting vectors are not only directed outward but also inward towards the particle (as shown in the attached image).

I have the following questions regarding this observation:

  1. Why are some of the Poynting vectors directed inward toward the particle?
  2. What is the physical significance of these inward-directed Poynting vectors?
  3. Is this phenomenon independent of absorption, or is it related to the absorption of the nanosphere?

To aid understanding and provide additional context, I have attached both the figure illustrating the Poynting vector distribution.

Thank you for your time and expertise.

Kind regards, Jiseok Han



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