Partially coherent flat-topped beam generated by an axicon

Abstract

The intensity distribution of a partially coherent beam with a nonconventional correlation function, named the multi-Gaussian Schell-model (MGSM) beam, focused by an axicon was investigated in detail. Our numerical results showed that an optical needle with a flat-topped spatial profile and long focal depth was formed and that we can modulate the focal shift and focal depth of the optical needle by varying the width of the degree of coherence (DOC) and the parameters of the correlation function. The adjustable optical needle can be applied for electron acceleration, particle trapping, fiber coupling and percussion drilling.