Full-wave generalizations of the fundamental Gaussian beam

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Wave Propagation Theory

Background:

• The fundamental Gaussian beam is a key solution for wave propagation in half-spaces.
• Previous studies focused on basic full waves derived from point sources in complex space.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and characterize a class of extended full Gaussian waves.
• To compare the properties of these extended waves with the fundamental Gaussian beam.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing complex space sources with cylindrically symmetric Gaussian distributions.
• Analyzing the radiation intensity and power carried by the extended waves.
• Investigating wave propagation in both outwardly and oppositely directed half-spaces.

Main Results:

• Extended full Gaussian waves were derived, encompassing the basic full Gaussian wave as a special case.
• Radiation intensity distributions were determined and found to be similar across various extended waves.
• The power carried by extended waves was evaluated and compared to the fundamental Gaussian beam.

Conclusions:

• Extended full Gaussian waves provide a broader framework for understanding Gaussian beam propagation.
• The study reveals reflection symmetry in radiation intensity distributions across different half-spaces.
• Extended full Gaussian waves exhibit comparable radiation characteristics and power to the fundamental Gaussian beam.