Graded reflectivity mirror unstable laser resonator design

Michel Morin; Michel Poirier

doi:10.1117/12.308125

13 May 1998 Graded reflectivity mirror unstable laser resonator design

Michel Morin, Michel Poirier

Proceedings Volume 3267, Laser Resonators; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.308125
Event: Optoelectronics and High-Power Lasers and Applications, 1998, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

The graded reflectivity mirror (GRM) unstable resonator has become the resonator of choice for many laser systems. It provides a large size fundamental mode while reducing detrimental diffraction effects encountered in hard-edge unstable resonators. It also allows some control over the near-field profile of the output beam through a proper choice of the reflectivity profile of the GRM. This added flexibility in design translates into an apparent increase in complexity to the potential user. This tutorial review discusses through a step-by-step approach the inner workings of such resonators, in order to identify tradeoffs which are involved in their design. Geometrical and diffractive contributions to the mode definitions are discussed, as well as the beam shaping action of amplification. Particular attention is given to super-Gaussian resonators, which are nowadays the most widely used.

Citation Download Citation

Michel Morin and Michel Poirier "Graded reflectivity mirror unstable laser resonator design", Proc. SPIE 3267, Laser Resonators, (13 May 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.308125

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