Abstract
The intensity distribution in the focal region for a double-ring-shaped azimuthally polarized beam using complex phase mask with high NA lens axicon system is studied numerically on the basis of vector diffraction theory. A novel method is presented for generation of a subwavelength (0.492 λ) azimuthally polarized beam, which propagates without divergence over long distance about 100 λ in vacuum. It is also observed that the distribution of the electric field near the focus has little variation with the degree of truncation of the incident beam by a pupil. The authors expect such an ultra-long dark channel may find applications in optical data storage, biomedical imaging, laser drilling and atmospheric sciences.
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One of the authors K. Lalithambigai expresses her sincere thanks to UGC-Basic Scientific Research (BSR), New Delhi, India (UGC Letter No. 11-142/2008(BSR)) for financial support.
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Lalithambigai, K., Anbarasan, P.M. & Rajesh, K.B. Generation of ultra-long focal depth by tight focusing of double-ring-shaped azimuthally polarized beam. J Opt 43, 278–283 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12596-014-0216-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12596-014-0216-7