# Trapped-ion experiment observes optical Magnus effect

_Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 11:20 AM EDT · Science · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![Trapped-ion experiment observes optical Magnus effect — Primary](https://scx2.b-cdn.net/gfx/news/hires/2026/a-surprising-twist-in.jpg)

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute and collaborators report the first direct observation of the optical Magnus effect using a trapped calcium ion and a tightly focused laser. They found that the point of strongest ion-light interaction shifts sideways from the laser's intensity center, and measured shifts of a few hundred nanometers. The team says the shift depends on light wavelength rather than how tightly the beam is focused. The findings were reported in Physical Review Letters.

## Sources

- [Phys.org](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-optical-magnus-effect-sharpen-quantum.html)

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