Beam shifts and distribution functions

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel method to isolate beam-shape dependent components of spatial and angular GH and IF shifts in reflected light beams, revealing universal features of shifted distribution functions.

Contribution

A new approach is proposed to unambiguously separate beam-shape effects from other factors in GH and IF shifts, based on universal properties of shifted distributions.

Findings

Universal features of shifted distribution functions are identified.

The method allows clear separation of beam-shape effects in beam shifts.

Insights into the dependence of shifts on beam shape and surface properties.

Abstract

When a beam of light is reflected by a smooth surface its behavior deviates from geometrical optics predictions. Such deviations are quantified by the so-called spatial and angular Goos-Haenchen (GH) and Imbert-Fedorov (IF) shifts of the reflected beam. These shifts depend upon the shape of the incident beam, its polarization and on the material composition of the reflecting surface. In this article we suggest a novel approach that allows one to unambiguously isolate the beam-shape dependent aspects of GH and IF shifts. We show that this separation is possible as a result of some universal features of shifted distribution functions which are presented and discussed.