Improved theory for the polarization-dependent transverse shift of a paraxial light beam in free space

Spatial distribution of the longitudinal field component of a circularly polarized optical beam depends on the polarization handedness, which causes the lateral shift of the beam “center of gravity” when its polarization toggles. We present the generalized theory of this effect, which demonstrates its relation with the angular irradiance moments of the beam. The theory is applicable to arbitrary paraxial beams and shows that the lateral shift is the same for all cross sections of the beam.