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Transverse momentum exchange in optical vector beam propagation: Theory and experiment

J. M. Nichols and D. V. Nickel

F. Bucholtz

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Phys. Rev. A 112, 013517 – Published 16 July, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/83pz-mm61

Abstract

In this work we present a model for the paraxial propagation of linearly polarized vector beams. Of particular importance is the appearance of a transverse momentum term proportional to the linear polarization angle gradient imparted to the beam during the beam preparation process. The model predicts that during propagation, this momentum will be exchanged for classical transverse momentum, thereby causing the beam to accelerate. We observe the momentum exchange in experiment by designing the polarization profile in such a way to cause the beam centroid to follow a parabolic path through free space.

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Phys. Rev. A 112, 013517– Published 16 July, 2025
  • Received 23 September 2024
  • Accepted 23 June 2025
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Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article's title, journal citation, and DOI.

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