KnowraGaussian beamLinked fromLinked fromThe 6 pages that link to Gaussian beam, each with the reason it gives.All 6Broader topic 3Narrower topic 1Compared with 2Plane waveCompared with: It approximates a plane wave near its waist while retaining finite beam width and divergence.Gaussian functionBroader topic: Its measured intensity across the beam follows a Gaussian profile.Airy diskCompared with: Its ideal focused spot has a Gaussian profile, unlike the rings of a circular-aperture Airy pattern.Paraxial approximationBroader topic: Gaussian beams are exact solutions of the paraxial wave equation.Transverse modeBroader topic: The fundamental transverse mode of many stable laser cavities has this profile.Rayleigh lengthNarrower topic: Rayleigh length describes how this beam spreads as it propagates from its waist.