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

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.

35 pages, 12 figures