Light sectioning with diffraction-free planes of light?

Gerd Haeusler; A. Schmidt; R. Wachtler; Jorg Waldmuller

doi:10.1117/12.34742

1 July 1990 Light sectioning with diffraction-free planes of light?

Gerd Haeusler, A. Schmidt, R. Wachtler, Jorg Waldmuller

Proceedings Volume 1319, Optics in Complex Systems; (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.34742
Event: 15th International Optics in Complex Systems, 1990, Garmisch, Germany

Abstract

A 'diffraction-free' light distribution does not change its transverse intensity pattern as it propagates through a homogeneous medium. Hence, it would be extremely useful as a probe in optical metrology, specifically for 'light sectioning'. Is such a 'light plane' possible? How much confined can light be, without being spreaded by diffraction? We discuss these questions. It turns out that a light plane cannot be generated by monochromatic, coherent illumination. However, it is possible to generate a light plane incoherently, by a scanning axicon beam.

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Gerd Haeusler, A. Schmidt, R. Wachtler, and Jorg Waldmuller "Light sectioning with diffraction-free planes of light?", Proc. SPIE 1319, Optics in Complex Systems, (1 July 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.34742

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