Abstract
Several unconventional laser resonators are described, and their application to various laser systems is explored. Spatial mode control of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers is enhanced by two spatial filtering methods. The first employs a GRIN lens with a patterned mirror designed to reflect power only from desired modes. The angular selectivity of a Fabry-Perot etalon is used in the second system to improve spatial modal discrimination. Diffractive optical elements are used with a solid-state laser for beam shaping and aberration correction. An analysis of the effects of fabrication errors shows that higher-order diffraction terms and phase errors can result in distorted modes. However, proper cavity design can help to reduce these effects and insure proper mode shape.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 107-115 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering |
| Volume | 3267 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1998 |
| Event | Laser Resonators - San Jose, CA, United States Duration: Jan 26 1998 → Jan 27 1998 |
Keywords
- Binary optics
- Diffractive cavity
- Diffractive optic
- High-power lasers
- Laser resonator
- Microoptics
- VCSEL