Critique of Nondiffracting Beams
Abstract
A number of researchers have discussed the possibility of generating electromagnetic beams or pulses which can propagate without the usual degree of transverse spreading. Nondiffracting directed radiation beams have been the subject of a number of special sessions at various conferences. Our intention in this note is to discuss i) the Bessel beam which has been called 'remarkably resistant to the diffractive spreading commonly associated with all wave propagation'; and ii) the electromagnetic directed energy pulse train which is claimed to be 'significantly improved over conventional, diffraction-limited beams', and to 'defeat diffraction'. This note shows that diffraction is not eliminated or reduced in any of the proposed schemes and that conventional Gaussian beams will propagate at least as far for a given transmitting antenna dimension.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 03, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA220722
Entities
People
- Bahman Hafizi
- Phillip A. Sprangle
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory