On the relation between periodically deflected and transverse mode-locked laser beams.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Transverse mode-locked (TML) beams demonstrate high-speed beam scanning capabilities.
• Established beam deflection technologies include galvanometer and voice coil scanners.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if TML beams function as high-speed equivalents to periodically deflected beams.
• To compare the spatiotemporal properties, intensity, and phase dynamics of TML beams and periodically deflected beams.

Main Methods:

• Analytical modeling of TML beam spatiotemporal properties.
• Experimental examination of periodically deflected beams.
• Assessment of intensity and phase dynamics for both beam types.

Main Results:

• TML beams exhibit shape-invariant scanning motion during propagation.
• Characteristic spatiotemporal phase dynamics were identified in TML beams.
• While intensity scanning can be mimicked, phase dynamics differ from mirror-deflected beams.

Conclusions:

• TML beams are not direct high-speed analogs of periodically deflected beams due to distinct phase dynamics.
• TML beams are suitable for high-speed laser scanning, but their phase behavior must be accounted for in phase-sensitive applications.