Non-diffracting beams from surface-emitting lasers

We present an overview of recent advances in generation of non-diffracting (Bessel) beams from surface-emitting lasers, such as electrically and optically pumped VECSELs, and discuss their applications in optical trapping/tweezing and manipulation of micromachines. Our experiments on VECSEL-generated watt power level Bessel beams with central lobe diameters of a few to tens micrometers suggest that the semiconductor surface-emitting lasers are the best candidates for replacement of gas and solid-state counterparts for power-demanding applications in optical manipulation.

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