Simplified system for relative phase control between two input beams for coherent polarization beam combination.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Coherent polarization beam combination (CPBC) is crucial for high-power laser systems.
• Maintaining stable polarization requires precise control of the relative phase between combined beams.
• Existing CPBC systems can be complex and sensitive to environmental fluctuations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simplified and robust system for coherent polarization beam combination.
• To implement an effective method for controlling the relative phase between orthogonal polarization beams.
• To demonstrate high-efficiency operation without compromising output beam quality.

Main Methods:

• Devised a simplified CPBC system utilizing a polarizing beam splitter (PBS).
• Employed the beam leaked from the PBS to actively control the relative phase between the two input beams.
• Experimentally validated the system's performance and stability.

Main Results:

• Achieved a simplified CPBC system with fewer components.
• Demonstrated robust relative phase control using the leaked beam.
• Obtained high-efficiency beam combination without significant quality deterioration.

Conclusions:

• The proposed simplified CPBC system offers a robust and efficient solution for combining laser beams.
• Utilizing the leaked beam for phase control simplifies the system architecture and enhances stability.
• This approach is suitable for applications requiring high-quality, stable polarization output.