Propagation of confluent hypergeometric beam through uniaxial crystals orthogonal to the optical axis

Based on the theory of paraxial electromagnetic beams in anisotropic medium, propagation properties of a linearly polarized confluent hypergeometric (HyG) beam through uniaxial crystals orthogonal to the optical axis are investigated. Analytical expressions are derived for the resultant optical field components. Effects of separate beam parameters together with the ratio of refractive indices of crystals on transversal intensity distributions are revealed by numerical calculations, respectively. It is shown that the beam profile finally converts into an elliptical shape due to influences of anisotropic crystals. Moreover, it is also indicated that through suitable selection of parameters, types of the optical vortices of resultant field would change from a central dark spot to a slight dark ring or an axial shadow during the propagation. These numerical results may provide alternative advantages to the trapping of tiny particles by utilizing HyG beams in practical experiments.

► The propagation of a confluent hypergeometric beam through uniaxial crystals is investigated. ► Analytical expressions are derived for the resultant optical field components. ► Effects of various parameters on resultant intensity distributions are revealed. ► The beam profile would converts into an elliptical shape due to effects of anisotropic crystals.