Dual Airy beam

Abstract

We derive a general form of Airy wave function which satisfies paraxial equation of diffraction. Based on this, we propose a new form of Airy beam, which is composed of two symmetrical Airy beams which accelerate mutually in the opposite directions. This 'dual' Airy beam shows several distinguishing features: it has a symmetric transverse intensity pattern and improved self-regeneration property. In addition, we can easily control the propagation direction. We also propose 'quad' Airy beam, which forms a rectangular shaped optical array of narrow beams that travel along a straight line. We can control its propagation direction without changing transverse intensity patterns. These kinds of superposed optical beams are expected to be useful for various applications with their unique properties.