Title: Diffractive optical elements for transformation of modes in lasers

Abstract

Spatial mode conversion modules are described, with the capability of efficiently transforming a given optical beam profile, at one plane in space into another well-defined optical beam profile at a different plane in space, whose detailed spatial features and symmetry properties can, in general, differ significantly. The modules are comprised of passive, high-efficiency, low-loss diffractive optical elements, combined with Fourier transform optics. Design rules are described that employ phase retrieval techniques and associated algorithms to determine the necessary profiles of the diffractive optical components. System augmentations are described that utilize real-time adaptive optical techniques for enhanced performance as well as power scaling.

Inventors:

Sridharan, Arun K.; Pax, Paul H.; Heebner, John E.; Drachenberg, Derrek R.; Armstrong, James P.; Dawson, Jay W.

Issue Date:

2015-09-01

Research Org.:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1213427

Patent Number(s):

9124066

Application Number:

13/791,563

Assignee:

Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC (Livermore, CA)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

G - PHYSICS G02 - OPTICS G02B - OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS, OR APPARATUS

H - ELECTRICITY H01 - BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS H01S - DEVICES USING THE PROCESS OF LIGHT AMPLIFICATION BY STIMULATED EMISSION OF RADIATION [LASER] TO AMPLIFY OR GENERATE LIGHT

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G - PHYSICS G02 - OPTICS G02B - OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS, OR APPARATUS

G02B5/1814 - {structurally combined with one or more further optical elements, e.g. lenses, mirrors, prisms or other diffraction gratings

H - ELECTRICITY H01 - BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS H01S - DEVICES USING THE PROCESS OF LIGHT AMPLIFICATION BY STIMULATED EMISSION OF RADIATION [LASER] TO AMPLIFY OR GENERATE LIGHT

H01S3/005 - {Optical devices external to the laser cavity, specially adapted for lasers, e.g. for homogenisation of the beam or for manipulating laser pulses, e.g. pulse shaping
H01S3/0085 - {Modulating the output, i.e. the laser beam is modulated outside the laser cavity}
H01S3/06729 - {Peculiar transverse fibre profile}
H01S3/10015 - {by monitoring or controlling, e.g. attenuating, the input signal}
H01S3/10023 - {by functional association of additional optical elements, e.g. filters, gratings, reflectors}
H01S3/10053 - {Phase control}
H01S3/1307 - {Stabilisation of the phase}
H01S3/2333 - {Double-pass amplifiers}
H01S3/2383 - {Parallel arrangements}

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DOE Contract Number:  

AC52-07NA27344

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 2013 Mar 08

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

42 ENGINEERING