Suppression of self-focusing through low-pass spatial filtering and relay imaging
Self-focusing effects in large, high power laser amplifiers become manifest as small-scale beam instabilities and as large-scale phase aberrations. Spatial filtering has been shown to control instabilities; spatial filters constitute appropriate lens pair elements for image relaying as well. In this paper, image relaying is presented as a technique for preserving the transverse intensity profile of a high power beam as it propagates long distances through nonlinear elements. As a consequence, amplifier apertures can be filled more effectively, leading to a doubling of fixed-aperture system performance. A rationale for optimal selection of spatial filter bandpass is also presented. This selection, as might be expected, depends upon details of the beam's spatial structure as it enters any filter. A geometrical optics approach is used throughout; nevertheless, derived results remain valid when diffraction is included.
- Research Organization:
- University of California, Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550
- OSTI ID:
- 7030296
- Journal Information:
- Appl. Opt.; (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Opt.; (United States) Vol. 17:13; ISSN APOPA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
420300* -- Engineering-- Lasers-- (-1989)
657005 -- Theoretical Physics-- Optics
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
AMPLIFIERS
APERTURES
BEAM TRANSPORT
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
FILTERS
FLUCTUATIONS
LASER RADIATION
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
OPENINGS
OPTICAL FILTERS
POWER
POWER AMPLIFIERS
RADIATIONS
VARIATIONS