Propagation and parametric characterization of the polarization structure of paraxial radially and azimuthally polarized beams

Analytical expressions are provided for describing the free-space evolution of the polarization structure of paraxial beams whose electric-field vector at some transverse plane exhibits either a radially or an azimuthally polarized behavior. At each transverse plane, the polarization distribution across the beam profile is characterized by means of two sets of parameters, namely, the so-called (local) radial Stokes representation, and the (overall) percentage of the irradiance associated with the radial and azimuthal field components. The propagation laws for these sets of parameters are also shown. As an illustrative example, a radially polarized beam is analized whose wavefront contains a spiral phase factor.

► Radially and azimuthally polarized fields are analytically propagated.
► Polarization is described by means of the (local) radial Stokes representation.
► Propagation laws of two sets of global polarization parameters are given.
► Radially polarized beams whose wavefront contain spiral phase factors are studied.