title: Monochromatic scalar fields with maximum focal irradiance.
abstract: The monochromatic scalar fields that achieve the maximum focal irradiance for a given input power and directional spread are found through a variational approach. In two dimensions, the maximum focal irradiance is found to be proportional to the sine of the directional spread as well as the input power. In three dimensions, the corresponding relation is found in parametric form.
authors.affiliation: The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester, NY 14627, USA.
authors.forename: Nicole J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Miguel A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Alonso
authors.forename: Colin J R
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Sheppard