Higher-order Bessel waves produced by axicon-type computer-generated holograms

The waves produced by axicon-type computer-generated holograms designed to produce higher-order J(n)-Bessel waves are investigated. A theoretical analysis, whose validity is not confined to the optical axis, is presented and verified. The waves produced by such finite-aperture axicon holograms are compared in detail with their corresponding Bessel waves. The analysis is verified with numerical simulation and experimental results. The performance of axicon holograms depends on the order of the Bessel wave. The waves have a zero of intensity at their centres associated with a spiral wavefront dislocation, making them useful for high accuracy alignment applications. Other characteristics and possible practical applications of such waves are discussed.