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arXiv · 2509.06354

Bessel beams, propagationally invariant beams, and axicons: An historical and tutorial review

Colin J. R. Sheppard
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Abstract

The Bessel beam is discussed, including its historical development. We present the relationship with the Arago Spot, annular pupils, axicons and pupil filters. We also discuss Bessel-Gauss beams; higher order Bessel beams; electromagnetic polarization properties; waveguide and resonator modes; polychromatic and pulsed beams; one-dimensional Airy beams; extended depth of focus; and light sheets and photonic nanojets.

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Colin J. R. Sheppard. 2025-09-08. Bessel beams, propagationally invariant beams, and axicons: An historical and tutorial review. https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.06354

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