Hybrid refractive-diffractive axicons for Bessel-beam multiplexing and resolution improvement

Analysis of the influence of antireflective coatings on the diffraction efficiency of diffractive optical elements

Diffractive optical elements (DOEs) may be used as a single optical component with dedicated functionality (e.g. focusing), or as one of the elements in complex hybrid optical systems to reduce the number of the elements and improve imaging quality. It is desirable to cover DOE's surface with antireflective coating. In this paper, we show the results of simulations using the Fourier modal method and measure the efficiency of a diffractive lens with antireflective (AR) coating. Results were compared with a previously proposed model of AR covered DOE by Mao et al. [Opt. Express25, 11673 (2017)10.1364/OE.25.011673]. Contrary to the previously published model, we have not observed a shift of the efficiency curve. Our findings prove that AR coatings improve the efficiency of DOEs and it is not necessary to take them into account when calculating optimal profile height.

Generating Bessel-Gaussian Beams with Controlled Axial Intensity Distribution

This paper investigated the diffraction of a Gaussian laser beam on a binary mask and a refractive axicon. The principles of the formation of a zero-order Bessel beam with sharp drops of the axial field intensity edges were discussed. A laser optical system based on an axicon for the formation of a Bessel beam with quasi-uniform distribution of axial field intensity was proposed. In the laser optical system, the influence of the axicon apex did not affect the output beam. The results of theoretical and experimental studies are presented. It is expected that the research results will have practical application in optical tweezers, imaging systems, as well as laser technologies using high-power radiation.