Active Optics For High Power Lasers

Rudolf Protz

doi:10.1117/12.950181

28 March 1989 Active Optics For High Power Lasers

Rudolf Protz

Proceedings Volume 1024, Beam Diagnostics and Beam Handling Systems; (1989) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.950181
Event: 1988 International Congress on Optical Science and Engineering, 1988, Hamburg, Germany

Abstract

The performance of high power laser systems depends strongly on achievable beam quality, which determines focus intensity on the work-piece at given laser power. To minimize wavefront aberration limiting the beam quality, active optics are a very promising tool. A survey of active optics systems and technology is given with special attention to high power lasers. Sources and properties of beam distortions typical of high power lasers are described. Various basic concepts for measuring and correcting optical aberrations in real time are discussed. Related instrumentation is described, in particular wavefront correction devices like adaptive mirrors and wavefront sensors. Examples of active mirrors for a high-power CO₂-laser system and their technical features are presented. Finally, performance and limitations of active optics systems in high power laser systems are discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Rudolf Protz "Active Optics For High Power Lasers", Proc. SPIE 1024, Beam Diagnostics and Beam Handling Systems, (28 March 1989); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.950181

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