Properties of an astigmatic π/2-mode converter

The properties of the astigmatic π/2 converter are analysed upon the transformation of eigen- and non-eigenmodes, and beams of arbitrary type. It is shown that the action of the converter can be reduced to even and odd numbers of Fourier transforms performed independently in two orthogonal planes containing the optical axis of the converter. The operation of two arbitrary oriented π/2 converters in tandem is described. This scheme permits obtaining at the same plane alternatively either the object image or its Fourier transform. Examples of the numerical simulation of the radiation propagation through the examined optical schemes are presented.