Discrete-like diffraction dynamics in free space.
We introduce a new class of paraxial optical beams exhibiting discrete-like diffraction patterns reminiscent to those observed in periodic evanescently coupled waveguide lattices. It is demonstrated that such paraxial beams are analytically described in terms of generalized Bessel functions. Such effects are elucidated via pertinent examples.
Institute of Applied Physics, Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Max-Wien-Platz 1, 07743 Jena, Germany. armando.perez-leija@uni-jena.de
Armando
A
Perez-Leija
Francisco
F
Soto-Eguibar
Sabino
S
Chavez-Cerda
Alexander
A
Szameit
Hector
H
Moya-Cessa
Demetrios N
DN
Christodoulides
D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D008027:Light; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012031:Refractometry / Q000379:methods*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation