Auto-focusing and self-healing of Pearcey beams

James D. Ring*, Jari Lindberg, Areti Mourka, Michael Mazilu, Kishan Dholakia, Mark R. Dennis

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We present a new solution of the paraxial equation based on the Pearcey function, which is related to the Airy function and describes diffraction about a cusp caustic. The Pearcey beam displays properties similar not only to Airy beams but also Gaussian and Bessel beams. These properties include an inherent auto-focusing effect, as well as form-invariance on propagation and self-healing. We describe the theory of propagating Pearcey beams and present experimental verification of their auto-focusing and self-healing behaviour. (C) 2012 Optical Society of America

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)18955-18966
Number of pages12
JournalOptics Express
Volume20
Issue number17
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Aug 2012

Keywords

  • Abruptly autofocusing waves
  • Bessel-gauss beams
  • Airy beams
  • Property
  • Scalar

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Auto-focusing and self-healing of Pearcey beams'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this