Focusing properties of hyperbolic-cosine-Gaussian beams combining a helical axicon

Focus shape plays an important role in many optical systems, and has attracted much attention. In this article, the focusing properties of hyperbolic-cosine-Gaussian (cosh-Gaussian) beams through a helical axicon were investigated theoretically. Results show that intensity distribution in focal region can be altered considerably by the decentered parameter of cosh-Gaussian beam, axicon parameter and topological charge of the helical axicon. Many novel focal pattern may occur, including annular focus, rectangular focal shape, multiple-peak focal pattern. And in order to show the possible applications of these alter focal pattern, some optical gradient force distributions were also calculated and illuminated. (C) 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.