Patent attributes
An axicon is disclosed comprising a generally cylindrical body having an exterior surface 31, preferably a cylindrical surface. A first outwardly reflective lens surface 32 and a second inwardly reflective lens surface 35 are formed at opposite ends of the body. A light input beam from a suitable source is directed into one of those surfaces and through the axicon to the other of those surfaces, and the beam is transformed by the axicon into a beam(s) exiting such other surface. The shape and angular extent of the exit beam will depend, in part, on the selected position of the first surface with respect to the optical axis of the axicon and/or the second surface. The axicon is an optical grade unit, preferably unitary, which can receive light of a specified pattern through a first surface, redirect and modify the light, and output light of a different pattern though a second surface. In one configuration a concentrated light beam can be input to the axicon and output as a differently shaped beam, such as defining a predetermined plane or geometric surface. In another configuration, light surrounding the axicon can be input to the first surface 32, concentrated and then output through the second surface 35 as a beam of predetermined size and shape, such as may be be sensed by a photodiode supported at or near the focal point of the lens.
