Autofocusing Self-Imaging: The Symmetric Pearcey Talbot-like Effect

TL;DR

This paper explores the Talbot-like autofocusing effect of symmetric Pearcey beams, demonstrating control over focal points and periods, and introducing potential for creating multiple optical bottles for advanced optical applications.

Contribution

The study provides the first numerical and experimental analysis of the symmetric Pearcey beams' Talbot-like effect, including control mechanisms for focusing and pattern generation.

Findings

Demonstrated periodic and multiple autofocusing of symmetric Pearcey beams.

Controlled focal positions and periods via beam shift and distribution factors.

Generated multiple optical bottles through parameter tuning.

Abstract

The Talbot like effect of symmetric Pearcey beams (SPBs) is presented numerically and experimentally in the free space. Owing to the Talbot like effect, the SPBs have the property of periodic and multiple autofocusing. Meanwhile, the focal positions and focal times of SPBs are controlled by the beam shift factor and the distribution factors. What is more, the beam shift factor can also affect the Talbot-like effect and the Talbot period. Therefore, several tiny optical bottles can be generated under the appropriate parameter setting. It is believed that the results can diversify the application of the Talbot effect.