Patent ID: 9042017
Filing Date: 2015-05-26
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A process for producing annular far-field patterned beams, comprising: providing a plurality of beams; manipulating said plurality of beams; producing a selected number of manipulated beams from said plurality of beams, wherein said selected number of manipulated beams is at least five manipulated beams; providing a distribution of said manipulated beams, such that the near field intensity distribution of said manipulated beams has a central null; providing a selected non-cylindrically symmetrical near field shape for each of said manipulated beams such that each of said manipulated beams has the same near field geometry; providing each of said manipulated beams a polarization that differs from the polarization of its adjacent manipulated beams by an amount equal to 360 degrees divided by a total number of manipulated beams; providing an intensity distribution for each of said manipulated beams such that said intensity distribution differs from the intensity distribution of its adjacent beamlets by an amount equal to 360 degrees divided by a total number of manipulated beams; providing a predetermined wavelength for each of said manipulated beams such that each of said manipulated beams has the same wavelength; orientating the manipulated beams in the near field such that each of said manipulated beams is uniformly distributed on the perimeter of a circle; and producing a composite beam comprising said manipulated beams, wherein said composite beam has a composite far field intensity distribution having a central null and discrete cylindrical symmetry.