Properties of the Poynting vector for invariant beams: Negative propagation in Weber beams

Negative propagation is an uncommon response produced by the local sign change in Poynting vector components. We present a general Poynting vector expression for all invariant beams with cylindrical symmetry using scalar potentials in order to evaluate the possibility of negative propagation. We analyze the plausibility of negative propagation being independent of mode mixing; we study Weber beams as a particular case. The study of this negative effect allow us to advance in the field of micro manipulation and understanding of optical forces. Applications of these beams are discussed. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.