Focusing quality of a split short laser pulse

Area of Science:

• Optics
• Laser Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Short laser pulse experiments necessitate pulse splitting.
• Maintaining pulse width during splitting is critical.
• Thick optical materials can distort short laser pulses.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate pellicle beam splitters (BS) and mirrors with holes for splitting short laser pulses.
• Compare the focusing quality and pulse characteristics of these BS options.
• Assess the suitability of each BS for high-precision laser applications.

Main Methods:

• Investigated laser pulse propagation through pellicle BS and mirrors with holes.
• Analyzed the focusing quality of laser pulses after interaction with BS.
• Examined the spatial profile and energy loss of reflected laser pulses.

Main Results:

• Both pellicle BS and mirrors with holes maintain laser pulse focusing quality.
• Pellicle BS are susceptible to vibrations and air currents, causing ~10% energy loss.
• Mirrors with holes produce a doughnut-shaped pulse, requiring specific focusing conditions.

Conclusions:

• Pellicle BS are suitable when vibration isolation is managed, offering minimal energy loss.
• Mirrors with holes provide vibration stability but necessitate precise focusing due to the doughnut pulse shape.
• The choice of BS depends on experimental constraints, particularly vibration and focusing requirements.