  In this manuscript, we demonstrate the ability of nonlinear light-atom
interactions to produce tunably non-Gaussian, partially self-healing optical
modes. Gaussian spatial-mode light tuned near to the atomic resonances in hot
rubidium vapor is shown to result in non-Gaussian output mode structures that
may be controlled by varying either the input beam power or the temperature of
the atomic vapor. We show that the output modes exhibit a degree of
self-reconstruction after encountering an obstruction in the beam path. The
resultant modes are similar to truncated Bessel-Gauss modes that exhibit the
ability to self-reconstruct earlier upon propagation than Gaussian modes. The
ability to generate tunable, self-reconstructing beams has potential
applications to a variety of imaging and communication scenarios.
