Modal decomposition by means of correlation filters has been proved as a key for real online laser beam analysis.
To compare that method with the "standard" M2 method, we generated series of different laser beams (1064 nm),
applied both methods to one and the same beam and evaluated achieved results. An adjustable Nd:YAG laser
served as transversal mode generator, delivering diverse "pure" Gauss-Hermite modes and superpositions of
modes, respectively. In the case of incoherent superposition of modes, their particular contribution to the
general M2 value should be proportional to their relative strength, whereas in the case of coherent superposition
M2 is distinctly influenced by phase differences between the discrete modal components. Achieved experimental
findings are well confirmed by computer simulation.
To qualify passive fibers for (high power) laser beam delivery, different experimental approaches (interferometric,
heterodyn, M2, ...for beam characterization at fiber output are under test in the community. Measurement of
the individual strength of different components (eigenmodes) contained in the superposition at the fiber output
in dependence for example on bending radius seems to be very promising. This can be done by means of optical
correlation filters based on DOEs. For a standard telecommunication fiber SMF-28, operated at 633 nm, this
could be demonstrated earlier1 by us. Here we present experimental results for quantitative proof of LP modes
in LMA fibers as well as in SMF-28 fibers by means of such correlation filters, and demonstrate potential and
limitations of this approach.
Measuring the power distribution among transverse modes of coherent light in optical fibers and excitation of transverse
modes or modal groups in a fiber are of practical significance for development and investigation of fiber lasers, sensors
and fiber communication lines. The feasibility of mode generation in a step-index optical fiber using binary phase
diffractive optical elements (DOEs) is studied. Modes different from the principal mode are selectively excited in the
optical fiber using the binary phase DOEs. It is also reasonable to make a computer simulation of mode excitation to
predict the behavior of optical system. Simulation results prove theoretical derivations on characteristics of mode
excitation. These results are also in a good concordance with experimental ones.
The fabrication of diamond-based optical elements for high-power CO2 lasers is of particular interest because of the low optical absorption coefficient of this material in combination with its very high thermal conductivity and the weak temperature dependence of refractive index. Recent advances in gas-phase synthesis have made it possible to fabricate polycrystalline CVD diamond films (DF) whose optical and thermal properties are close to those of single crystal diamond material, whereas they are far cheaper. As a result, these sophisticated materials are applied more and more to tasks dominated till now by other materials. Such examples for this are windows for high-power CO2 lasers in the 5 - 20 kW domain1 and beam-splitters2. Recently new techniques have been proposed for antireflective structuring of DF surface3,4 as well as for generation of phase microrelief to manufacture diamond diffractive optical elements (DOEs) for the far IR range5-8, 10. The realisation of DOE by UV-laser ablation has been considered 5-8. Using of ion-chemical etching9 and plasma etching10 is considered later. The present paper is devoted to further development of considered approaches5,9. The realization of diamond diffractive optical elements (DOEs) is considered, able to focus an incoming CO2 laser beam into certain pregiven focal domains. Results of experimental investigation of designed DOEs are presented and discussed.
This day and age in the laser community we find a couple of coexisting and simultaneously competing approaches for the characterization of spatial laser beam properties. Around the well-established Method of Second Order Moments, described in full detail in the new ISO-Standard 11146/1-2-3, such methods are arranged like determination of Wigner Distribution Function, Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor or decomposition of the beam into its transversal modal components. Each of mentioned methods has its own amenities, depending on specific demands and boundary conditions.
To compare these approaches with each other with very high accuracy, it would be extremely helpful to have access to a set of ETALONs for different pure or composite transversal modes.
Diffractive Optical Elements (DOEs) open a promising possibility to generate and to establish such ETALONs working later in different labs and under different conditions in a very reliable and reproducible manner.
We present first results of considerations about designing, manufacturing and testing ETALONs for pure and for composite Gauss-Hermite modes.
The fabrication of diamond-based optical elements for high-power CO2 lasers is of particular interest because of the low optical absorption coefficient of this material in combination with it's very high thermal conductivity and the weak temperature dependence of refractive index1. Recent advances in gas-phase synthesis have made it possible to fabricate polycrystalline CVD diamond films (DF) whose optical and thermal properties are close to those of single crystal diamond material, whereas they are far cheaper. As a result, these sophisticated materials are applied more and more to tasks dominated till now by other materials. Such examples for this are windows for high-power CO2 lasers in the 5 - 20 kW domain1 and beam-splitters2.
Recently new techniques have been proposed for antireflective structuring of DF surface3,4 as well as for generation of phase microrelief to manufacture diamond diffractive optical elements (DOEs) for the far IR range5-8.
The realisation of DOE by UV-laser ablation has been considered5-8. Using of ion-chemical etching and plasmochemical-etching9 is considered later10.
The present paper is devoted to further development of considered approaches5,9.
The realization of diamond diffractive optical elements (DOEs) is considered, able to focus an incoming CO2 laser beam into certain pregiven focal domains.
Results of experimental investigation of designed DOEs are presented and discussed.
Earlier we presented an alternative approach for laser beam characterization, based on the decomposition of the field distribution at certain cross section of the laser beam into a system of orthogonal functions. As such orthogonal function systems we selected "natural" laser eigenmodes of either GL or GH type. The looked for strength of the individual modal components then can easily be achieved by measuring the output signal ("correlograms") of multi-channel correlation filters placed in a Fourier set-up, whereas the correlation filters themselves have been realized as DOEs by laser lithography.
Meanwhile different systems of such GL and GH correlation filters have been designed, manufactured and experimentally tested with miscellaneous laser beams. Achieved results demonstrated a very good conformity between optical experiment and computer simulation. Attempts to compare results of our method with results of "standard" beam characterization methods (new ISO11146) indicated principal conformity, but illustrated the continuing demand for a sophisticated adjustment procedure for the filter during application.
Recently such a sophisticated adjustment algorithm has been developed, implemented and applied to measured correlograms. This gives us the capability to evaluate with high accuracy even very complex correlograms, resulting from superposition of miscellaneous transversal modes.
Exploiting a "tunable" Nd:YAG laser as mode generator for supply of pure or mixed GH modes, and evaluating the quality of the same laser beam twice, in one branch by our decomposition method and at the same time in the second branch by Second Order Moments method (new ISO 11146), demonstrates the strong potential of the decomposition method.
An increase in the data-carrying abilities of modern communication systems is a most important scientific and technical challenge, requiring further studies of the physical effects involved. The possibility to increase in the data-carrying abilities of optical communication systems by waveguide transverse modes multiplexing by diffractive optical elements (DOEs) is considered.
Recently a new technique has been proposed for laser-assisted generation of phase microrelief to manufacture diamond diffractive lenses for the far IR range. In the present paper the realization of diamond diffractive optical elements (DOEs) is considered, able to focus an incoming CO2 laser beam into certain pregiven focal domains. Exemplarily, two completely different DOEs for different tasks of laser beam focusing have been designed by different methods, manufactured and finally investigated by means of optical experiment and computer simulation. Measured intensity distributions in the DOEs' focal planes as well as measured diffraction efficiencies have been compared with related results of computer simulation, and have been found to be in good mutual concordance. Obtained first results indicate that technique of laser-assisted ablation can be effectively used for manufacturing of high quality diamond DOEs for laser beam focusing.
Introduction of diffractive optical elements (DOEs) opened the possibilty to control amplitude-phase distribution in the cross-section of laser beam. In fact, by use of DOE one can form the beam with pregiven behaviour during propagation through waveguide medium. The diffractive microrelief can be realized either on the separated substrate or directly on the waveguide surface. This work is devoted to the theoretical and experimental investigation of diffractive microrelief intended for waveguiding beam control. Experimental results of step-like optical waveguide mode excitation and selection by DOE are presented. Different approaches for synthesis of high-efficient DOEs matched with waveguide modes are discussed. The strategy of the search of waveguide mode with amplitude distribution closed to the illuminating beam amplitude distribution is presented. The phase of found mode can be chosen as DOE phase function.
An increase in the data-carrying abilities of modern communication systems is the most important scientific and technical challenge, requiring further studies of the physical effects involved. The possibility to increase in the data-carrying abilities of optical communication systems by waveguide modes (both longitude and transverse) multiplexing by diffractive optical elements (DOEs) is considered.
This work is devoted to the investigation of specific properties of eigenfunctions of the operator of light propagation in a lenslike medium. We present results obtained by synthesis and investigation of beams consisting of more than one two-dimensional Gaussian-Hermite laser modes with the same value of propagation constant - multimode dispersionless beams.
Recently a new technique has been proposed for laser-assisted generation of phase microrelief to manufacture diamond diffractive lenses for the far IR range. In the present paper the realization of diamond diffractive optical elements (DOEs) is considered, able to focus an incoming CO2 laser beam into certain pregiven focal domains. Exemplarily, two completely different DOEs for different tasks of laser beam focusing have been designed by different methods, manufactured and finally investigated by means of optical experiment and computer simulation. Measured intensity distributions in the DOEs’focal planes as well as measured diffraction efficiencies have been compared with related results of computer simulation, and have been found to be in good mutual concordance. Obtained first results indicate that technique of laser-assisted ablation can be effectively used for manufacturing of high quality diamond DOEs for laser beam focusing.
At LBOC6 meeting we presented an alternative approach for laser beam characterization, based on the decomposition of the electrical field distribution at certain cross section of the laser beam into a system of orthogonal functions. As such orthogonal function systems we selected "natural" laser eigenmodes of either GL or GH type. The looked for strength of the individual modal components then can be achieved by measuring the output signal of multi-channel correlation filters placed in a Fourier set-up, whereas the correlation filters themselves have been realized as DOEs by laser lithography.
In between different systems of such GL and GH correlation filters have been designed, manufactured and experimentally tested with miscellaneous laser beams. Achieved results demonstrate a very good conformity between optical experiment and computer simulation. First attempts to compare results of our method with results of "standard" beam characterization methods (ISO11146) indicated principal conformity, but illustrated the continuing demand for a sophisticated adjustment procedure for the filter during application.
Recently a new technique for laser-induced generation of phase relief to manufacture diamond diffractive lenses for the mid IR range has been proposed. In the present paper the realization of more complicated diamond diffractive optical elements (DOEs) is considered, able to transform a CO2 laser beam into arbitrary pre-given focal domains. Two DOEs for completely different tasks of laser beam focusing have been manufactured and finally investigated by means of various optical techniques. Measured intensity distributions in the DOEs focal planes as well as diffraction efficiencies have been compared with related results of computer simulation, and have been found to be in a good mutual concordance. The obtained results indicate that laser ablation technique can be effectively used to manufacture high quality diamond DOEs for laser beam focusing. Special attention is paid to the diamond surface graphitization in the process of laser ablation. Main parameters of excimer laser ablation are investigated and density of laser-induced graphite-like layer is defined. It was demonstrated experimentally that graphitized layer formed at different regimes of irradiation remains almost constant in thickness, but has different crystal structure.
Novel Diffractive Optical Elements of MODAN-type open up new promising potentialities of solving the tasks of generation, transformation, superposition and subsequent separation again of different transversal laser modes with high efficiency. In we presented for the first time a MODAN capable of transforming a Gaussian TEM00 input beam into a unimodal Gauss-Hermite (GH) (1,0) complex amplitude distribution. Now we present new results achieved by combining several MODANs in one optical set-up: The aim of these investigations is to transform a single TEM00 input laser beam into several partial beams, each of them described by a different unimodal GH (n,m) mode structure. After separately modulating these partial beams in time, and subsequent superposing them to again one beam by means of a conventional beamsplitter, this unified multimode beam is permitted to propagate in space. Following that, an 'analyzing' MODAN is applied to this transversal multimode beam -- a diffractive element which is capable of realizing a spatial modal decomposition of an illuminating beam. For the investigations to be presented here, we restricted ourselves to two unimodal beams and selected as transforming MODANs one element of TEM00-to-GH (1,0) type described and one of TEM00-to-GH (0,1) type. The analyzing MODAN was calculated as a phase-only element using the crossed-gratings method and manufactured with the same technology like the two other elements. Theoretical as well as first experimental results demonstrate promising perspectives for the selected concept.
Analyzing of amplitude-phase characteristics of laser beam is topical in experimental physics and in a great number of laser applications, such as, for example, laser material treatment. The task of analyzing the amplitude-phase beam structure may be treated as that of analyzing the modal composition, if this is thought of as both analyzing individual modal powers and intermode phase shifts. In this paper the problem is tackled using a special diffractive optical element (DOE), called MODAN, matched to a group of laser radiation modes and their special combinations. The experimental results reported indicate that such an approach shows promise.
Laser light modes are beams in whose cross-section the complex amplitude is described by eigenfunctions of the operator of light propagation in the waveguide medium. The fundamental properties of modes are their orthogonality and their ability to retain their structure during propagation for example in a lens-like medium, in free space or a Fourier stage. Novel Diffractive Optical Elements (DOEs) of MODAN-type open up new promising potentialities of solving the tasks of generation, transformation, superposition and subsequent separation again of different laser modes. Now we present new results obtained by synthesis and investigation of beams consisting of more than one two-dimensional Gaussian laser modes with the same value of propagation constant formed by DOEs. The exploitation of these phenomena could enhance the fiber optical system transfer capacity without pulse enlargement.
Novel Diffractive Optical Elements of MODAN-type open up new promising potentialities of solving the tasks of generation, transformation, superposition and subsequent separation again of different transversal laser modes with high efficiency. We present for the first time a MODAN capable of transforming a Gaussian TEM00 input beam into a unimodal Gauss-Hermite (GH) (1,0) complex amplitude distribution. Now we present new results achieved by combining several MODANs in one optical set-up: The aim of these investigations is to transform a single TEM00 input laser beam into several partial beams, each of them described by a different unimodal GH (n,m) mode structure. After separately modulating these partial beams in time, and subsequent superposing them to again one beam by means of a conventional beamsplitter, this unified multimode beam is permitted to propagate in space. Following that, an `analyzing' MODAN is applied to this transversal multimode beam--a diffractive element which is capable of realizing a spatial modal decomposition of an illuminating beam. For the investigations to be presented here, we restricted ourselves to two unimodal beams and selected as transforming MODANs one element of TEM00-to-GH (1,0) type described and one of TEM00-to-GH (0,1) type. The analyzing MODAN was calculated as a phase-only element using the crossed- gratings method and manufactured with the same technology like the two other elements. Theoretical as well as first experimental results demonstrate promising perspectives for the selected concept.
An IR DOE (the wavelength is 10.6 micrometers ) focusing the Gaussian illuminating beam into a ring of desired width is designed. The phase function of the element is found during 111 iterations of the procedure that relates the problem of focusing into a radial off-axis domain to the problem of focusing into the line-segment.
Modulo-2(pi) phase elements calculated by relatively simple ray-tracing methods turned out to be suitable tools for laser beam profile homogenization under certain preconditions. As an example, we present results of the transformation of a Gaussian TEM00-input beam with (lambda) equals 10.6 micrometers into a box-shaped intensity profile which has to be generate in the so called focal plane at a given distance from the element. The manufacturing of the investigated elements was realized by electron-beam lithography in combination with reactive ion etching. For computer modeling of the behavior of these elements a FFT- algorithm was used, working on the basis of paraxial approximation of the Kirchhoff-integral. The quality of achieved beam shaping depends of several parameters covering effects which are design-dependent, input-beam dependent, set-up dependent, or technology dependent. In an earlier paper we investigated the influence of varying beam waist diameter and beam waist position for a given element as well as of varying distance of the plane under investigation from the designed focal plane. In the present paper the interest is focused onto the influence of varying size of the element's clear aperture and of technologically caused deviations of realized step heights from the design values for the multi-level binary profile. Evaluation criteria were the lateral intensity distribution as well as the quantities diffraction efficiency and mean square amplitude deviation.
We present results of iterative calculation, manufacturing and experimental as well as theoretical investigations of a novel diffractive optical element (DOE) which transforms a Gaussian TEM00 input beam into a unimodal Gauss-Hermite complex distribution. The iterative calculation procedure is based on the application of the method of generalized projections. The projection operator onto a set of modal functions is implemented through partition of the focal plane into a 'useful' and an 'auxiliary' domain. As a result of this calculation there will be a 2D phase distribution which has to be transferred into the optical element. This element has been manufactured as 16 level surface profile by electron-beam direct-writing into a PMMA resist film and a subsequent development procedure of the resist. Each of the generated 15 steps of the resist profile corresponds to a certain electron dose, comparable to a usual 'isobathic process'. The final element consists of a fused silica substrate coated with the structured PMMA film, and has been designed for transmission mode and (lambda) equals 633 nm. Whereas computation results consist in the form of lateral distributions of the complex amplitude in the Fourier-plane, experimental results will be intensity distributions only. To measure additionally the phase distribution, we realized a special interferometric set-up. Both computational and experimental results are presented and demonstrate a good conformity with each other. Energy efficiency has been measured in the Fourier-plane as 37.7 percent, compared with the calculated value of 45 percent. The achieved results show good perspectives of such an approach for the formation and application of unimodal distributions.
We present results of iterative calculation, manufacturing and experimental as well as theoretical investigations of a novel diffractive optical element (DOE) which transforms a Gaussian TEM00 input beam into a unimodal Gauss-Hermite (1,0) complex amplitude distribution. The iterative calculation procedure is based on the application of the method of generalized projections. The projection operator onto a set of modal functions is implemented through partition of the focal plane into a 'useful' and an 'auxiliary' domain. To improve the error reduction during the iterative calculation procedure, a stochastic predistortion in the auxiliary domain is chosen. This calculation results in a 2-D phase distribution which has to be transferred into an optical element. This element has been manufactured as a 16 level surface profile by (variable dose) electron-beam direct- writing into a PMMA resist film and a subsequent development procedure of the resist. Each of the generated 15 steps of the resist profile corresponds to a certain electron dose, comparable to a usual 'isobathic process' or a 'monotone etching method.' The final element consists of a fused silica substrate coated with the structured PMMA film. Both computational and experimental results are presented and demonstrate a good conformity with each other. Energy efficiency has been measured in the focal plane as 37.7%, compared with the calculated value of 45.5%. The achieved results show good prospects of such an approach for the formation of unimodal distributions.
To solve a special task of laser-beam material treatment, a new diffractive element was designed, fabricated and investigated, which converts a given single-mode CO2-laser beam into a ring-shaped intensity distribution in the working plane. This was accomplished by application of refined ray-tracing methods and an enhanced micro technology using e-beam generated masks. Relevant steps of calculation and manufacturing of these masks are outlined. First results of measured intensity distribution demonstrate a good conformity with results of computer simulations.
This paper deals with computer-generated diffractive elements which transform diverging Gaussian beams of CO2 lasers into user-defined intensity distributions in certain focal domains. For a special case of both scientific and technical interest -- a uniformly filled-in rectangle (`flattop') as user-defined intensity distribution -- the full cycle of calculation, micro- technological preparation and testing of the element is described. For this element the focus depth and the stability of the beam-shaping with respect to changes of size and divergence of incident Gaussian beams have been studied by computer modeling, as well as diffractive efficiency and accuracy of shaping. Calculated flattop intensity distributions have been compared with corresponding experimental results, measured by an IR camera. On the occasion we could demonstrate a good conformity between experimental and theoretical results of intensity distributions I(x,y,z) respectively, in desired focal plane as well as for planes before and behind focal plane. Likewise, there is such a conformity for the relative amount of power focused into the desired rectangle. For a further beam-forming element transforming a Gaussian TE00-beam into a ring-shaped intensity distribution the calculated phase function and -- exemplary -- one of the binary masks are presented. First results about focus depth derived by computer modeling are displayed.
For the characterization of infrared optical materials the homogeneity
of refractive index and the residual stress-birefringence distribution
are important parameters. The measurements of such properties of larger
samples using large aperture optical systems in connection with infrared
cameras result in an enhanced equipment, especially with respect to beam
splitters and polarizing components. A concept to avoid this difficulties
is the scanning method, where the sample is mounted on a table allowing
the automatic translation by computer controlled stepper motors, while
the beam has been fixed. The radiation of either a HeNe laser (3.39 pm)
or a C02 laser (10.6 pm) is usually detected by sensitive thermocouples.
Although, the data processing in the following measuring methods is
nearly the same , the optical arrangement is quite different.
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