Ultra-Low-Intensity Magneto-Optical and Mechanical Effects in Metal Nanocolloids

We theoretically and numerically investigate the linear and nonlinear magneto-optical contributions to the refractive index of metal nanospheres. The analysis is in good agreement with the experimental extinction spectra of gold nanocolloid solutions, with threshold magnetic fields less than 1 mT when illuminated with light intensities less than 1 W/cm^2. Plasmonic current loops and vortex power flows provide a new framework for the dynamical interaction between material magnetization, light polarization and nano-surfaces. The photo-induced magneto-optical interaction of non-magnetic metal nanocolloids imparts significant, non-negligible torque forces in nanofluids.