Optical Lenses
An axicon, also known as a conical lens, is a type of specialty lens characterized by its conical surface, which transforms collimated light into a non-diffracting beam known as a Bessel beam. A common plano-convex axicon has one plane side and one extruding apex. When the lights are parallel, an axicon introduces an interference effect to create a focal line along the optical axis, resulting in an approximation of a Bessel beam, which consists of a set of rings of equal powers. This is because in an axicon (or conical lens), the surface is shaped like a cone, which means its inclination angle remains constant at every point along the surface. The result is that incoming collimated lights striking the conical surface at different radial positions are refracted by the same angle. This unique characteristic makes axicons valuable in a range of precision optical systems. Axicons are distinguished by their apex angle, which determines the convergence of the generated beam and influences the propagation characteristics of the resulting Bessel beam.
Axicons find widespread usage in applications such as laser drilling, optical trapping (atom traps and optical tweezers), microscopes, optical coherence tomography, or as parts of certain beam expanders and telescopes. Although axicons can not produce an ideal Bessel beam, only a simulation of it, unlike an average Gaussian beam, which attenuates over length, the long-depth-of-focus beams generated from axicons maintain their intensity over a long propagation distance, which is advantageous in processes that require a consistent and narrow beam profile.
Shalom EO offers a comprehensive selection of axicon optics with various AR coating options, including stock axicons for standard use and custom conical lenses tailored to specific application needs. We can provide standard axicon optics made from fused silica, while other custom materials are available upon request. Base angles from 0.5°to 40°can be selected. With professional craftsmanship, we are capable of ensuring high precision, such as surface roughness of ＜6 angstrom.
If you're exploring axicon applications or seeking high-quality optics, Shalom EO provides both off-the-shelf and made-to-order solutions, ensuring that every project benefits from precise, optimal performance.
