Multimode beams with periodic properties

Multimode beams can exhibit special properties that are not inherent in individual modes. For example, periodic repetition or rotation of the transverse intensity distribution of a beam at certain distances during propagation in free space. Such properties of light beams are in demand in a variety of applications, including optical manipulation, optical measurements, atmospheric sensing, and wireless communication systems. A great contribution to the development of theoretical foundations and methods for the generation of various multimode beams belongs to the scientific school of Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Professor V.A. Soifer. This article provides a brief overview of the achievements of the scientific school associated with the use of diffractive optics for the formation of laser beams with periodic properties.