Mode shaping of a Nd:YAG laser with diffractive mirrors

J. R. Leger, D. Chen, Z. Wang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

In this paper, we show that a diffractive optical element can be used as a mode-synthesizing mirror (MSM) inside a Nd: YAG laser cavity. In our experiment, we have chosen to produce a laser mode that has a square shape at the output mirror with a profile in the x and y directions given by a super-Gaussian of order twenty. This is very close to the top-hat profile required for many applications. The mode-synthesizing mirror was designed by calculation the near-field diffraction pattern of this square top-hat mode at the MSM surface. The phase of the MSM was chose to return the phase conjugate of this calculated diffraction pattern. The MSM phase function was then converted into a multi-level diffractive optical element by performing a modulo-2π operation on the phase data and quantizing it into sixteen phase levels. In conclusion, we have demonstrated a technique for customizing laser modes in a NdLYAG laser. These techniques are directly applicable to diode-pumped solid state lasers, and may be particularly useful for transverse pumping and slab pumping geometries where high model discrimination is required.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationConference Proceedings - Lasers and Electro-Optics Society Annual Meeting
PublisherPubl by IEEE
Pages681-682
Number of pages2
ISBN (Print)0780312635
StatePublished - 1993
EventAnnual Meeting of the IEEE Lasers and Electro-Optics Society - San jose, CA, USA
Duration: Nov 15 1993Nov 18 1993

Publication series

NameConference Proceedings - Lasers and Electro-Optics Society Annual Meeting

Other

OtherAnnual Meeting of the IEEE Lasers and Electro-Optics Society
CitySan jose, CA, USA
Period11/15/9311/18/93

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