Propagation-invariant beams with quantum pendulum spectra: from Bessel beams to Gaussian beam-beams.

We describe a new class of propagation-invariant light beams with Fourier transform given by an eigenfunction of the quantum mechanical pendulum. These beams, whose spectra (restricted to a circle) are doubly periodic Mathieu functions in azimuth, depend on a field strength parameter. When the parameter is zero, pendulum beams are Bessel beams, and as the parameter approaches infinity, they resemble transversely propagating one-dimensional Gaussian wave packets (Gaussian beam-beams).

Incomplete Airy beams: finite energy from a sharp spectral cutoff.

We present a mathematical analysis of the finite-energy Airy beam with a sharply truncated spectrum, which can be generated by a uniformly illuminated, finite-sized spatial light modulator, or windowed cubic phase mask. The resulting "incomplete Airy beam" is tractable mathematically, and differs from an infinite-energy Airy beam by an additional oscillating modulation and the decay of its fringes. Its propagation can be described explicitly using an incomplete Airy function, from which we derive simple expressions for the beam's total power and mean position.

Auto-focusing and self-healing of Pearcey beams.

We present a new solution of the paraxial equation based on the Pearcey function, which is related to the Airy function and describes diffraction about a cusp caustic. The Pearcey beam displays properties similar not only to Airy beams but also Gaussian and Bessel beams. These properties include an inherent auto-focusing effect, as well as form-invariance on propagation and self-healing.