Gaussian laser beam shaping: Test and evaluation
Abstract
A method for converting single mode Gaussian beams into beams with uniform irradiance profiles is described. This technique has application to laser cutting and welding, laser ablation, semiconductor mask fabrication, and other tasks. Currently, designs for rectangular and circular flat top profiles have been investigated. Experimental results are presented for an element that converts a single mode Gaussian beam into a square, flat top spot. The design is based on a Fourier transform relation between the input and output beam functions and can be implemented as a diffractive or refractive element. The form of the element reduces to a common equation that is scaled for the particular geometry involved. This scale factor contains the product of the widths of the input and output beams, the focal length of the system, and the wavelength. It is a dimensionless quantity that uniquely determines the quality of the target spot, regardless of wavelength or system geometry. A designer can thus start from a desired target quality and lay out the required optical system to achieve that quality, in contrast to an iterative approach.
- Authors:
- Publication Date:
- Research Org.:
- Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Org.:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- OSTI Identifier:
- 382421
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-96-0001C; CONF-960848-1
ON: DE96011982
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-94AL85000
- Resource Type:
- Conference
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Denver `96: 1. conference on space processing of materials, at SPIE International Society for Optical Engineering (SPIE) annual international symposium on optical science, engineering, and instrumentation, Denver, CO (United States), 4-9 Aug 1996; Other Information: PBD: [1996]
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
- Subject:
- 42 ENGINEERING NOT INCLUDED IN OTHER CATEGORIES; LASER RADIATION; BEAM SHAPING; BEAM PROFILES; BEAM OPTICS; MATHEMATICAL MODELS; GAUSSIAN PROCESSES
Citation Formats
Holswade, S C, and Dickey, F M. Gaussian laser beam shaping: Test and evaluation. United States: N. p., 1996.
Web.
Holswade, S C, & Dickey, F M. Gaussian laser beam shaping: Test and evaluation. United States.
Holswade, S C, and Dickey, F M. 1996.
"Gaussian laser beam shaping: Test and evaluation". United States. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/382421.
@article{osti_382421,
title = {Gaussian laser beam shaping: Test and evaluation},
author = {Holswade, S C and Dickey, F M},
abstractNote = {A method for converting single mode Gaussian beams into beams with uniform irradiance profiles is described. This technique has application to laser cutting and welding, laser ablation, semiconductor mask fabrication, and other tasks. Currently, designs for rectangular and circular flat top profiles have been investigated. Experimental results are presented for an element that converts a single mode Gaussian beam into a square, flat top spot. The design is based on a Fourier transform relation between the input and output beam functions and can be implemented as a diffractive or refractive element. The form of the element reduces to a common equation that is scaled for the particular geometry involved. This scale factor contains the product of the widths of the input and output beams, the focal length of the system, and the wavelength. It is a dimensionless quantity that uniquely determines the quality of the target spot, regardless of wavelength or system geometry. A designer can thus start from a desired target quality and lay out the required optical system to achieve that quality, in contrast to an iterative approach.},
doi = {},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/382421},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Thu Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1996},
month = {Thu Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1996}
}