Focusing of axially symmetric flattened Gaussian beams

Abstract

Abstract We study the three-dimensional field distribution of a focused axially symmetric flattened Gaussian beam. In particular, exact closed-form expressions for the intensity along the optical axis and at the focal plane are provided, together with a comparison between our results and those pertinent to the case of a converging spherical wave diffracted by a hard-edge circular aperture. Some hints for future investigations are also given.