Alternative formulation for invariant optical fields:: Mathieu beams

Based on the separability of the Helmholtz equation into elliptical cylindrical coordinates, we present another class of invariant optical fields that may have a highly localized distribution along one of the transverse directions and a sharply peaked quasi-periodic structure along the other. These fields are described by the radial and angular Mathieu functions. We identify the corresponding function in the McCutchen sphere that produces this kind of beam and propose an experimental setup for the realization of an invariant optical field. (C) 2000 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: 260.1960, 350.5500, 110.6760, 200.4650, 140.3300.