Diffractive optical elements for intra-cavity beam-shaping of laser modes

K. Ballüder, Mohammad Reza Taghizadeh, H. A. McInnes, T. H. Bett

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Diffractive optical elements (DOE) are applied as intra-cavity mode selection devices for customizing the fundamental mode of laser resonators for high power laser systems. Using a phase-conjugating mode selecting element (MSE) in a laser oscillator, we are able to produce a good approximation to a super-Gaussian mode with a near flat intensity profile. This offers higher energy extraction from any following laser amplifiers compared to an unmodified Gaussian TEM00 mode. Two different designs for operation in a 1 m cavity length Nd:YAG master oscillator are presented. Both designs are surface relief phase elements fabricated in fused silica using photolithography with reactive-ion etching to produce 16 level elements for use in transmission. One element is designed to replace the cavity end mirror, while the other stands off an arbitrary distance from the end mirror. A novel iterated design for these transmissive elements is introduced. Numerical results and experimental meas-urements are presented and discussed. © 2000 Taylor & Francis Ltd.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2421-2435
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Modern Optics
Volume47
Issue number13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2000

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