Focusing of Gaussian and super-Gaussian laser beams by axicons to obtain continuous laser sparks

Calculations are made of the laser radiation intensity in the caustic of an axicon. Calculations are used to develop methods for optimizing the focusing by matching the profiles of axicon focusing elements and the intensity distribution in the initial laser beam cross section. The results are used to determine the dimensions of continuous laser sparks obtained by axicon focusing of laser radiation in a gas.