Edmund Optics has introduced a new range of plano-convex (PCX) axicon lenses, featuring one conical surface and one plano surface. The lenses are used to produce a non-diffractive ring-shaped beam that increases in diameter over distance, while retaining a constant ring thickness. When Plano-Convex (PCX) Axicons are used in conjunction with a collimated Gaussian Beam they create an approximation of a Bessel beam. The lenses are well suited to laser-drilling and optical coherence tomography (OCT) applications.
Bessel Beams are ideal for a wide range of medical research, such as optical injections and corneal surgery, as well as measurement and alignment applications. A Bessel beam is a non-diffractive beam made up of rings that each have power equal to every other ring. Bessel beams are purely theoretical in nature, as they require an infinite amount of energy, however, the output of a plano-convex axicon provides an accurate approximation of the beam, because it exhibits and maintains high level non-diffractive Bessel beam characteristics.
The PCX axicons are available uncoated or with VIS coating in apex angles from 90º to 179º at a diameter of 25.4mm. Featuring a precision fused silica substrate, the lenses are also available with a UV-AR coating with apex angles of 90º and 130º and a diameter of 25.4mm. The company recommends that PCX axicons be used with high quality beam expanders to ensure a beam diameter of at least 50 per cent of the clear aperture.