Characterization of micrometer-size laser beam using a vibrating wire as a miniature scanner

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Beam Diagnostics
• Optical Metrology

Background:

• Accurate measurement of small transverse size beams is crucial for various scientific and industrial applications.
• Existing methods for beam profile measurement often face limitations in resolution and precision for very small beams.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a new method for profile measurements of small transverse size beams using a vibrating wire.
• To demonstrate the capability of reconstructing the fine structure of a focused semiconductor laser beam.

Main Methods:

• Development and manufacturing of a vibrating wire resonator with a specialized magnetic system to ensure planar oscillations.
• Upgrading the measurement system utilizing a fast photodiode to detect laser beams reflected from the vibrating wire.
• Utilizing the autogenerator to create sinusoidal vibrations at the wire's natural frequency.

Main Results:

• Successful reconstruction of the fine structure of a focused semiconductor laser beam.
• Demonstration that only a few vibrating wire oscillations are needed for accurate profile reconstruction.
• Evidence confirming autogenerator-induced sinusoidal vibrations at the natural frequency.

Conclusions:

• The developed vibrating wire system offers a precise and efficient method for small beam profile measurements.
• The system shows potential for future implementation in tomographic measurements of thin beam profiles.
• This advancement contributes to improved beam diagnostics capabilities.