Model transformation from a hollow Gaussian beam to an Airy Gaussian beam

Abstract Model transformation from a hollow Gaussian beam (HGB) to an Airy Gaussian beam (AGB) was investigated based on the optical Airy transformation method. The HGB was transformed into a superposition of finite Airy beam via an optical Airy transformation system (OATS). Analytical expression of the AGB was deduced and used to demonstrate the produced AGB’s characteristics. Results showed that the intensity distribution and the number of side lobes of the AGB were determined by the control parameters α and β of the OATS, and the order n of the incident beam. In addition, a hollow Gaussian beam with a certain mode could be obtained by an incidence of an Airy Gaussian beam with a certain modulation parameter through the OATS. Results obtained here indicated that the model transformation between a Gaussian beam and an Airy beam could be realized by the optical Airy transformation method, which method would be valuable in generating of a novel kind of Airy beam and exploiting practical applications of the HGB.