Super-Gaussian output from a CO(2) laser by using a graded-phase mirror resonator

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Traditional laser resonators often limit energy extraction efficiency.
• Super-Gaussian beams offer advantages in beam quality and energy delivery.
• Developing efficient methods for generating super-Gaussian beams is crucial for advanced laser applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate super-Gaussian output resonators of orders 4 and 6.
• To investigate the performance of these resonators in a TEA CO(2) laser system.
• To compare the energy extraction efficiency with a standard semiconfocal resonator.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the inverse-propagation method for designing graded-phase feedback mirrors.
• Employed diamond cutting technique on a copper substrate for mirror fabrication.
• Experimental testing in a transversely excited atmospheric (TEA) CO(2) laser.

Main Results:

• Successfully designed and fabricated super-Gaussian resonators (orders 4 and 6).
• Achieved a 40% increase in monomode energy extraction for the order 4 resonator.
• Observed a 50% increase in monomode energy extraction for the order 6 resonator compared to a semiconfocal resonator.

Conclusions:

• Super-Gaussian resonators significantly enhance monomode energy extraction efficiency.
• The inverse-propagation method and diamond cutting are effective for creating advanced resonator optics.
• These findings have implications for improving the performance of TEA CO(2) lasers and other laser systems.