Approximate analytical description of the structured laser beam in the far zone

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics
• Applied Physics

Background:

• Emerging techniques for structuring light, such as structured laser beams (SLBs), show promise for diverse applications.
• SLBs, generated using spherical aberration, offer simple principles and potentially infinite propagation, making them suitable for long-distance alignment and free-space optical communication.
• A complete analytical description of SLBs is currently lacking, hindering a full understanding of their optical field distribution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose an approximate analytical scalar description for the complex amplitude of structured laser beams (SLBs).
• To characterize the optical field distribution in the far zone of SLBs with sufficient accuracy for practical applications.
• To provide a foundational understanding for the application of SLBs in areas like alignment and optical communication.

Main Methods:

• Development of an approximate analytical scalar theory for structured laser beams (SLBs).
• Characterization of the complex amplitude and optical field distribution in the far zone.
• Validation of the proposed analytical model using computational simulations.
• Experimental verification of the theoretical predictions and simulation results.

Main Results:

• An approximate analytical scalar description of the SLB complex amplitude was successfully derived.
• The proposed model accurately characterizes the optical field in the far zone of SLBs.
• Simulations and experimental measurements confirmed the validity and accuracy of the analytical approach.

Conclusions:

• The developed approximate analytical description provides a practical tool for understanding and utilizing structured laser beams (SLBs).
• This work addresses the need for a comprehensive analytical model for SLBs, paving the way for their wider application.
• The validated approach supports the use of SLBs in demanding applications such as long-distance alignment and free-space optical communication.