Free-space creation of ultralong anti-diffracting beam with multiple energy oscillations adjusted using optical pen.

Abstract

A light beam propagating over an infinite anti-diffracting distance requires infinite power to preserve its shape. However, the fundamental barrier of finite power in free space has made the problem of diffraction insurmountable in recent decades. To overcome this limitation, we report an approach that employs the multiple energy oscillation mechanism, thereby permitting the creation of a light beam with an ultralong anti-diffracting distance in free space. A versatile optical pen is therefore developed to manipulate the number, amplitude, position and phase of energy oscillations for a focusing lens so that multiple energy oscillations can be realized. A light beam with a tunable number of energy oscillations is eventually generated in free space and propagates along a wavy trajectory. This work will enable the extension of non-diffractive light beams to an expanded realm and facilitate extensive developments in optics and other research fields, such as electronics and acoustics.