Toric lens analysis as a focal ring and Bessel beam generator

J Opt Soc Am A Opt Image Sci Vis. 2020 Oct 1;37(10):1657-1661. doi: 10.1364/JOSAA.402378.

Abstract

We propose an analytical solution of the focal ring generated at the focus of a toric lens. The analytical field of the focal ring is used with a Fourier transform lens to generate a Bessel beam. A comparative analysis between the use of an illuminated annular aperture, an axicon, and a toric lens to generate a Bessel beam is performed, and the benefits and drawbacks of each are discussed. This highlights the advantages of using a toric lens with a Gaussian beam to produce a focal line of increasing intensity, which is advantageous for applications such as high depth-of-field microscopy.