Origin, Experimental Realization, Illustrations, and Applications of Bessel beams: A Tutorial Review

TL;DR

This tutorial review comprehensively covers the origin, theoretical basis, experimental methods, and applications of Bessel beams, highlighting their unique properties like non-diffraction and self-healing for interdisciplinary research.

Contribution

It offers a detailed, up-to-date tutorial on Bessel beams, including their fundamental concepts, experimental realization techniques, and potential applications, serving as a reference for researchers.

Findings

Bessel beams exhibit non-diffraction and self-healing properties.

Various structured modes can be generated using Bessel beams.

Applications span multiple interdisciplinary fields.

Abstract

Over the past 36 years much research has been carried out on Bessel beams (BBs) owing to their peculiar properties, viz non-diffraction behavior, self-healing nature, possession of well-defined orbital angular momentum with helical wave-front, and realization of smallest central lobe. Here, we provide a detailed tutorial review on BBs from their inception to recent developments. We outline the fundamental concepts involved in the origin of the BB. The theoretical foundation of these beams was described and then their experimental realization through different techniques was explored. We provide an elaborate discussion on the different kinds of structured modes produced by the BB. The advantages and challenges that come with the generation and applications of the BB are discussed with examples. This tutorial review provides reference material for readers who wish to work with non-diffracting modes and promotes the application of such modes in interdisciplinary research areas.