In this paper,we propose a new scheme to cool and trap neutral atoms by using a blue-detuned localized hollow beam (LHB),and studied the dynamical process of intensity-gradient cooling of the trapped atoms in the LHB by means of Monte-Carlo simulations.

The bottle beams generated by using a conical-lens system are investigated theoretically and experimentally.

It is shown that the partially coherent bottle beams can be achieved by focusing the partially coherent light with an axicon-lens system.

Based on Hugens-Fresnel diffraction integral theory,the propagation formula of an optical bottle beam generated by an axicon-lens system was deduced.

The propagation properties of the bottle beam were described based on geometrical optical theory,interferential theory and diffraction theory.

A novel technique to produce the self-imaging Talbot effect,nearly non-diffracting bottle beams which were interfered by the two Bessel beams generated from the axicons was proposed.

A method of acquiring a dark hollow beam of nanometer level;

The principle,methods and experimental progress of reddetuned laser guiding o f neutral atoms in hollow optical fibers and in Gussian laser beams are reviewed , as well as the bluedetuned evanescentwave guiding of atoms in hollow fiber s, and bluedetuned laser guiding of atoms in dark hollow beams.

Various techniques to generate dark hollow beams,such as by geometrical optics,mode-conversion,optical holography,computer-generated holography,transverse-mode selection and hollow fibers,are reviewed.