Vectorial Nonparaxial Four-Petal Gaussian Beams and Their Propagation in Free Space

The vectorial nonparaxial four-petal Gaussian beam (FPGB) is introduced. The closed-form propagation expressions for the free-space propagation of FPGBs are derived and their more general applicable advantages are illustrated analytically and numerically. Some special interesting cases, in particular the paraxial one, are discussed. It is found that the parameter f =1/kw₀ with the k being the wave number and w₀ being the waist width plays a crucial role in determining the nonparaxiallity of FPGBs. For small values of the f parameter the paraxial approximation is allowable. In the nonparaxial regime the beam order n additionally affects the vectorial and nonparaxial behaviour of FPGBs.