Zeroth-Order and Vortex Bessel Beams from Single-Mode Fibers with 3D Printed Photonic Structures

Diffraction-free propagation and self-healing characteristics [1] of Bessel beams have generated significant interest in the scientific community. Zeroth-order Bessel beams (ZOBBs) have maximum intensity at the center and found many applications, including bio-imaging material processing, optical trapping, bio-imaging, and quantum communication. On the other hand, higher-order (vortex) Bessel beams (HOBBs) present a helical wavefront, so they have a node due to a phase singularity and carry orbital angular momentum (OAM). Over the past years, Bessel beams have been generated by using different approaches - which could be different for ZOBBs and HOBBs - namely by Fourier transforming a narrow circular beam with a lens, by using axicons or with holographic beam shaping techniques.