Optimizing focus: switchable modes and sub-diffraction spots in inverse circular Airy beams

Abstract

We report an experimental investigation into the tight-focusing characteristics of linearly polarized inverse circular Airy beams (ICABs). Our study reveals that tightly focused ICABs exhibit Bessel-like, needle-like, or dual foci profiles depending on whether the main ring’s radius is smaller than, equal to, or larger than the critical radius. The emergence of the dual foci structure is attributed to the constrained entrance aperture of the microscope objective (MO). In contrast to traditional Gaussian beams (GBs), ICABs demonstrate remarkable advantages in terms of focal spot size. Notably, we observe a focal spot with a size of 245 nm, representing a 26.4% reduction compared to the diffraction limit. These unique properties open up promising avenues for potential applications in optical multi-plane particle trapping, conveying, and super-resolution optical imaging.