Polarization state modifications in the propagation of high azimuthal order annular beams

Using a vector Fresnel diffraction propagator we investigate the far-field distributions obtained from guided annular modes with different polarizatio n states. Furthermore we demonstrate that a pure azimuthal polarization tra nsforms into a mainly radial one in the propagation of annular beams with a zimuthal mode number higher than 0. This property could enhance the perform ance of a laser metal-cutting system based on these kind of beams. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America.