We present an analysis of the dynamics of conical waves partially obstructed by opaque objects. The analysis yields the incoming and outgoing conical waves that form the Bessel beams (or any other propagation-invariant beams) when opaque obstructions are set on and off axis. The results show that the invariance of Bessel beams with finite transverse extension is no longer maintained under the mentioned conditions.

We present a modification to the classic Michelson interferometer that allows the interference of multiple beams with equal amplitude. The proposed architecture presents the same advantages and simplicity as those of a classic Michelson interferometer. The basic unit of the device consists of a beamsplitter and two mirrors arranged as in a Michelson interferometer. To increase the number of interfering beams, the mirrors are replaced by a basic unit. In order to demonstrate the type of interference patterns that can be obtained, we present interferograms corresponding to three to eight interfering beams. The system can be used to optically induce photonic lattices.