Axicon on a gradient index lens (AXIGRIN): integrated optical bench for Bessel beam generation from a point-like source

We propose and demonstrate a novel concept of a compact optical component aimed at transforming a point-like source into a Bessel beam. This component, called AXIGRIN, consists of an axicon fabricated at the end facet of a gradient index lens. It can be directly coupled to an optical fiber, a microscope objective, or vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting-laser to be used without preliminary adjustments, which is of practical interest for end users. This opens new avenues in domains, such as imaging, particle acceleration and manipulation, optical coherence tomography, data storage, laser cutting, etc. AXIGRIN also opens the perspective of using Bessel beams for endoscopy. The generation of linearly and radially polarized Bessel beams is demonstrated with a fiber AXIGRIN. (C) 2014 Optical Society of America