Propagation dynamics of the Pearcey Gaussian vortex beams in a harmonic potential

In this paper, the propagation of a Pearcey Gaussian vortex (PeGV) beam in a harmonic potential is studied analytically and numerically from different perspectives, such as the intensity, the angular momentum, and radiation forces. The results show that the PeGV beam is in a periodical deformation with respect to the period and there exist two times auto-focusing and inverse processes within a period. With the decrease of the period, the adjacent auto-focusing planes are closer and the overall energy of the PeGV beam is enhanced. It is peculiar that the maximum intensity deflects the auto-focusing plane because of the modulations of the Gaussian and the vortex factors. We can adjust the intensity distribution, especially the auto-focusing and the inversion positions, the overall energy and the radiation forces distributions of the PeGV beam by choosing an appropriate period to meet the actual usage accordingly.