Coherence delay augmented laser beam homogenizer
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that can reduce the apparent coherence length of a laser beam so the beam can be used with an inexpensive homogenizer to produce an output beam with a uniform spatial intensity across its entire cross section. It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved homogenizer with a variable aperture size that is simple and easily made. It is still an additional object of the invention to provide an improved liquid filled homogenizer utilizing total internal reflection for improved efficiency. These, and other objects of the invention are realized by using a ``coherence delay line,`` according to the present invention, in series between a laser and a homogenizer. The coherence delay line is an optical ``line`` that comprises two mirrors, one partially reflecting, and one totally reflecting, arranged so that light incident from the laser first strikes the partially reflecting mirror. A portion of the beam passes through, and a portion is reflected back to the totally reflecting mirror.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy
- Patent Number(s):
- PATENTS-US-A7799524
- Application Number:
- ON: DE94005166; PAN: 7-799,524
- OSTI ID:
- 10114202
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 1991
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Coherence delay augmented laser beam homogenizer
Coherence delay augmented laser beam homogenizer