June 13, 2013, Barrington, NJ USA — Edmund Optics (EO), the premier provider of optical components, introduces new Plano-Concave (PCV) Axicons.  These specialized conical prisms feature one concave conical surface and one plano surface.  They are used in laser material processing to create a ring-shaped image along the optical axis, as well as to create a non-diffractive approximation of a Bessel beam. As opposed to Gaussian beams, which deteriorate over distance, Bessel beams maintain an unchanged transversal distribution as they propagate.

Use with Plano-Convex (PCX) Axicons to control ring diameter

When Plano-Concave (PCV) Axicons are used with Plano-Convex (PCX) Axicons, the diameter of the Bessel beam can be controlled by the separation between the two Axicons.  This feature is ideal for ablating corneal material in surgical procedures.  Plano-Concave (PCV) Axicons are excellent for measurement and alignment, research, as well as medical and life science applications that require a ring shaped laser output.

Apex angles from 90° to 175° are available

Plano-Concave (PCV) Axicons are available in twelve different 25.4 mm diameter models.  Apex angles of 90°, 130°, 140°, 160°, 170° and 175° are offered with either a VIS 0° coating or a NIR I coating. All Plano-Concave (PCV) Axicons models are in-stock and available for immediate delivery for fast turnaround and excellent value.