Gaussian Beam Analysis Gaussian optics is commonly used at millimetre and shorter wavelengths and assumes the beam has a Gaussian variation e - lr 2 in the field intensity moving a distance r from the centre. Gaussian beams are transformed to Gaussian beams by optical elements so that the beam profile is always known throughout the optical path. This analysis will provide conservative estimates for element sizes. It will always be possible to later optimize element sizes and beam shapes, but this will require more involved calculations than those mentioned in point 1 above.
Gaussian beams are the preferred shape for astronomical mapping.
It is often the case that after an imperfect radio beam has been deconvolved from a map, the map is convolved with a Gaussian beam before use. The disadvantage with Gaussian beams is that the beam is assumed to be of infinite extent. At the focal spot the beam has a minimum radius called the beam waist radius, denoted by w 0 .