An Axicon is a conical prism defined by its alpha (α) and apex angles. Unlike a converging lens, which is designed to focus a light source along the optical axis, the design of an Axicon focuses a light source to a line consisting of multiple points along the optical axis. In doing so, a beam generated by an Axicon crosses the optical axis and forms a ring of increasing diameter over distance while maintaining a constant ring thickness. Such features closely replicate the properties of a Bessel beam, a beam comprised of rings equal in power to one another.

Bessel Beam Features of an Axicon
Unlike a Gaussian beam which deteriorates over distance, a Bessel beam is non-diffracting, maintaining an unchanged transversal distribution as it propagates. Although a true Bessel beam would require an infinite amount of energy to create, an Axicon generates a close approximation with nearly non-diffracting properties within the Axicon's depth of focus (DOF). DOF is a function of the radius of the beam entering the Axicon (R), the Axicon's index of refraction (n), and the alpha angle (α):

As stated, the thickness of the ring (t) remains constant and is easily determined; it is equivalent to the radius of the initial beam or one half the initial beam's diameter (db):

The diameter of the ring is proportional to distance; increasing length from lens output to image (L) will increase the diameter of the ring (dr), and decreasing distance will decrease it. As Equation 3 mathematically illustrates, the diameter of the ring is related to twice the length, the tangent of the product of the refractive index (n), and the alpha angle (α).

Applications of an Axicon
The unique properties of an Axicon allow for applications in a range of research and medical fields. For example, an Axicon can aid improvements in laser corneal surgery, an outpatient corrective vision surgical procedure in which a laser ablates corneal tissue to correct the eye's refractive state. An Axicon's ability to focus a laser beam into a ring provides increased capability in smoothing and vaporizing the corneal tissue. With the use of a negative and positive Axicon, ring diameter can be adjusted to fit the patient's and surgeon's needs by manipulating the distance between the two axicons.

An Axicon is also beneficial in optical trapping, the use of a laser to create attractive and repulsive forces in order to manipulate microparticles and cells. The ring generated by an Axicon serves as a repulsive wall, trapping particles within the darker inner region of the beam, ideal for precise interaction with the trapped particle(s).

Using Optical Components with an Axicon
In order to replicate a Bessel beam, an Axicon and laser must be aligned so that the laser beam travels along the Axicon's optical axis. A variety of optical components can be used to achieve the alignment and precision needed to do this including lasers, beam expanders, optical lens mounts, and posts and post holders. For example, beam expanders collimate incident laser light and reduce its divergence so that an Axicon can accurately create a ring shaped beam, and optical lens mounts securely hold the Axicon in place and can offer additional degrees of freedom for micron, or sub-micron, alignment.

By focusing a light source in a line along its optical axis, an Axicon creates an approximation of a Bessel beam. Although the ring diameter increases and decreases proportionally to the distance between the Axicon and the image, the ring thickness remains the same. Axicons are ideal for measurement and alignment, research, and medical applications requiring a ring shaped laser output.