On-axis irradiance distribution of axicons illuminated by spherical wave

The focusing properties of an axicon illuminated by spherical wave are investigated. We define the Fresnel number of the focusing axicon impinged on by spherical wave. The on-axis irradiance distribution versus Fresnel number is studied. It is shown that, similar with the plane wave, focal squeeze, which is defined as deviations for the position of the maximum irradiance, also appears in low Fresnel number. Besides, the on-axis irradiance will be smoothed for appropriate curvature radius of the divergent spherical wave; meanwhile, when the convergent spherical wave is incident on the axicon, the on-axis irradiance varies more seriously.