Plano-Convex Axicons

Edmund Optics Inc.

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BARRINGTON, N.J., Feb. 18, 2011 — For medical research, measurement and alignment applications, Edmund Optics has unveiled its new planoconvex (PCX) axicons.

The lenses feature one conical surface and one plano surface and are used to produce a nondiffractive ring-shaped beam that increases in diameter over distance, while retaining a constant ring thickness. When PCX axicons are used in conjunction with a collimated Gaussian beam, they create an approximation of a Bessel beam. They are suited for use in laser drilling and optical coherence tomography applications.

Bessel beams are suitable for medical research, including optical injections and corneal surgery. They are nondiffractive beams made up of rings that each has power equal to that of every other ring. Because they require an infinite amount of energy, Bessel beams are purely theoretical in nature; however, the output of a PCX axicon provides an accurate approximation of the beam because it exhibits and maintains a high level of nondiffractive Bessel beam characteristics.

The axicons are available uncoated or with a visible coating in apex angles from 90º to 179º with a diameter of 25.4 mm. Featuring a precision fused silica substrate, they are also available with an ultraviolet antireflection coating with apex angles of 90º and 130º and the same diameter. The company recommends using the PCX axicons in conjunction with one of its beam expanders to ensure a beam diameter of at least 50% of the clear aperture.

The lenses are in-stock and available for immediate delivery.

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Published: February 2011