Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 17, 2026

Generation and Coherent Control of Pulsed Quantum Frequency Combs
Published on: June 8, 2018
Propagation-invariant wave fields with finite energy
R Piestun1, Y Y Schechner, J Shamir
1E. L. Ginzton Laboratory, Stanford University, California 94305-4085, USA.
Abstract:
Propagation invariance is extended in the paraxial regime, leading to a generalized self-imaging effect. These wave fields are characterized by a finite number of transverse self-images that appear, in general, at different orientations and scales. They possess finite energy and thus can be accurately generated. Necessary and sufficient conditions are derived, and they are appropriately represented in the Gauss-Laguerre modal plane. Relations with the following phenomena are investigated: classical self-imaging, rotating beams, eigen-Fourier functions, and the recently introduced generalized propagation-invariant wave fields. In the paraxial regime they are all included within the generalized self-imaging effect that is presented. In this context we show an important relation between paraxial Bessel beams and Gauss-Laguerre beams.
Related Concept Videos
Propagation of Waves
Consider a scenario where a wave propagates from a string of low linear mass density to a string of high linear mass density. In such a case, the reflected wave is out of phase with respect to the incident wave, however the...
Energy Carried By Electromagnetic Waves
Reflection of Waves
Propagation Speed of Electromagnetic Waves
Travelling Waves
Water waves, sound waves, and seismic waves are some examples of mechanical waves. For water waves, the wave propagation medium is water;...
Standing Waves in a Cavity