Formation of sub-half-wavelength focal spot with ultra long depth of focus

Abstract

We theoretically demonstrate the creation of sub-wavelength focal spot with ultra long depth of focus (DOF) non-diffracting. To achieve a sub-half-wavelength focal spot (0.4λ) with modulation, extended DOF (over 9.5λ) in vacuum, an integration of amplitude phase encoding, cylindrical polarization and the combination of dual-beams is utilized. Further analysis also predicts that a flattop intensity distribution along z axis can be observed around the ideal focus point.