Abstract
Analytic algorithms are presented for the construction of wave fields whose only critical points are saddle points at predetermined locations. A simple calculus is developed for the evolution of these fields embedded in Gaussian laser beams, and is used to study the propagation of generic examples. This calculus is also applied to the propagation of embedded vortex arrays whose complexity strains standard methods. Possible applications of saddle point optical fields are outlined.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 230-242 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| Journal | Optics Communications |
| Volume | 163 |
| Issue number | 4-6 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 15 May 1999 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:I am pleased to acknowledge useful conversations with Prof. Michael Wilkinson during the early stages of the work. This study was supported in part by the Israel Science Foundation of the Israel Academy of Arts and Sciences.