Extending the depth of focus with high NA lens axicon

Abstract

Based on vectorial Debye theory, tight focusing of x-polarized beam with high NA lens axicon is studied. The high NA lens axicon utilizes spherical aberration to duplicate the performance of an axicon and to create an extended focal line. The intensity distribution in the focal region is illustrated by numerical calculations. We show that the high NA lens axicon system can generates a sub wavelength beam (0.826 λ) with depth of focus around 10 λ.