Design and manufacture of a gradient-index axicon

A gradient-index axicon with its initial focus offset from the back surface was designed with the thin-lens approximation. Two samples were fabricated by means of the time-varying boundary condition diffusion method, which is based on the modified quasi-chemical diffusion model. Intensity profile measurements were taken along the focal region of the axicons. The samples produced extended line foci. From the intensity measurements, the central spot widths and back focal lengths were determined. The peak widths matched theoretical predictions made with the diffraction theory for the samples and showed good agreement with the predicted widths for a pseudo-Bessel beam, showing that the axicon produced a pseudo-diffractionless beam.