Open AccessThe Poynting vector and angular momentum of Airy beams
Author(s) -
H. I. Sztul,
R. R. Alfano
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.16.009411
Subject(s) - poynting vector , angular momentum , physics , optics , angular momentum of light , beam (structure) , airy beam , momentum (technical analysis) , tangent , total angular momentum quantum number , classical mechanics , angular momentum coupling , quantum mechanics , geometry , mathematics , finance , magnetic field , economics
We analyze and describe the evolution of the Poynting vector and angular momentum of the Airy beam as it propagates through space. A numerical approach is used to show the Poynting vector follows the tangent line of the direction of propagation. A similar approach is used to show that while the total angular momentum of the Airy beam is zero, the angular momentum of the main intensity peak and the Airy "tail" are non-zero.