Azimuthally polarized 1 kW CO2 laser with a triple-axicon retroreflector optical resonator

An optical resonator for generating high-power, axially symmetric polarized beams is demonstrated. The rear mirror of a commercial CO(2) laser is replaced by a triple-axicon retroreflector unit that is composed of a waxicon and an axicon accurately fitted together. The selection of the polarization is made by the reflectivity difference between p and s polarizations at the inclined surfaces. Sharp discrimination of polarization within a 0.4% of difference in reflectivity is demonstrated. A stable 1 kW azimuthally polarized LG01 laser beam is generated, and the measured beam quality is 2.0.