Degree of paraxiality of a multi-Gaussian beam diffracted by a circular aperture

Abstract

The degree of paraxiality (DOP) of a diffracted multi-Gaussian beam is discussed. It is shown that the DOP of the multi-Gaussian beam will decrease as it is diffracted by a circular aperture, and the DOP of the diffracted multi-Gaussian beam is influenced by both the aperture radius and the characteristics of beam source. As an example, the dependence of the DOP on the aperture radius, the boundary characteristic, and the beam waist width is investigated.