Generation of a Collimated Doughnut-Beam for Atom Trapping Using a Single-Cone Axicon

We propose a novel method to generate a collimated doughnut-beam (DB) using only one single-cone axicon andrealize it experimentally. The diameter of the DB is estimated by ray optics and is in good agreement with theexperimental results. The CUD image of the DB and the radial light intensity distribution are experimentallyobtained. The light intensity of the DB dark inner region is about 1% of the peak intensity of the DB. Thefar-field divergent angle is about 6mrad and seems to be well-collimated. With optimum values of the power andthe positive detuning of the laser field, the optical dipole potential of the DB can be chosen to be very large as agood confinement for atom trapping.