Suited for laser drilling and optical coherence tomography (OCT), these plano-convex (PCX) axicon lenses with one conical surface and one plano surface produce a non-diffractive, ring-shaped beam that increases in diameter and retains thickness over distance. When used with a collimated Gaussian beam, the lenses create an approximation of a Bessel beam. Featuring a fused silica substrate, uncoated and VIS-coated versions are available in apex angles from 90º to 179º, with a diameter of 25.4 mm. An ultraviolet anti-reflection (UV-AR) coating version is also available, with apex angles of 90º and 130º and a diameter of 25.4 mm.
Edmund Optics
Barrington, NJ
www.edmundoptics.com
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PRESS RELEASE
Plano-Convex (PCX) Axicons Create Approximation of Bessel Beams
Ideal for medical research, measurement and alignment
February 17, 2011, Barrington, N.J. - Edmund Optics® (EO), the premier provider of optical components, introduces its new Plano-Convex (PCX) Axicons. These unique lenses feature one conical surface and one plano surface. They 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. They are also ideally suited for use in laser-drilling and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT.)
Maintains high level of non-diffractive Bessel beam properties
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 (PCX) Axicon provides an accurate approximation of the beam because it exhibits and maintains a high level of non-diffractive Bessel beam characteristics.
Available uncoated or with AR coatings
Edmund Optics' Plano-Convex (PCX) Axicons are available uncoated and with VIS coating in apex angles from 90º to 179º with a diameter of 25.4 mm. Featuring a precision fused silica substrate, Plano-Convex (PCX) Axicons are also available with an Ultraviolet-Anti-Reflection (UV-AR) coating with apex angles of 90º and 130º and a diameter of 25.4 mm. It is recommended that Plano Convex (PCX) Axicons be used in conjunction with one of our high quality beam expanders to ensure a beam diameter of at least 50% of the clear aperture (CA). Plano Convex (PCX) Axicons are in-stock and available for immediate delivery for fast turnaround and excellent value.
About EO:
Edmund Optics® (EO) is a leading producer of optics, imaging, and photonics technology for R&D, electronics, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, biomedical, and military markets around the globe. EO is the world's largest supplier of off-the-shelf optical components. Customers can purchase items by contacting EO at (800) 363-1992, via the new interactive catalog, the website at www.edmundoptics.com, or requesting their print catalog.
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