Keywords

Bragg gratings, Diffraction, Holography, Laser beams, Moire method, Photorefractive materials -- Optical properties, Reflection (Optics)

Abstract

Laser beams can be manipulated by volume diffractive elements in addition to conventional optical elements like mirrors, lenses, and beam splitters. Conventional optical elements can be described by applying the basic laws of reflection and refraction at the surfaces of the elements. Even diffraction by surface gratings utilizes relatively simple mathematics. This is to be contrasted with the volume diffraction, which requires coupled wave theory in the slowly varying envelope approximation (SVEA) to obtain accurate results. Efficient spatially distributed diffraction of laser beams is possible due to the high coherence of laser light, and it occurs at specific resonant Bragg conditions. This research work is inspired and driven by the successful development of recording technology for robust, high-efficiency volume Bragg gratings (VBGs) in photo-thermo-refractive (PTR) glass. Mostly VBGs of the reflective type are discussed in this dissertation. Starting with an analysis of electro-magnetic wave propagation in layered media, we have reformulated Fresnel and volume reflection phenomena in terms of a convenient parameter – strength of reflection. The influence that the different non-uniformities inside a VBG have on its spectral properties has been examined. One important result of this work is the proposal of moiré VBG and the derivation of an analytical expression for its bandwidth. A multiplexed VBG used as a coherent combiner is discussed as well. Beam distortion via transmission through and/or reflection by a heated VBG due to residual absorption is analyzed.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2011

Semester

Summer

Advisor

Zeldovich, Boris

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Optics and Photonics

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0004054

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0004054

Language

English

Release Date

July 2014

Length of Campus-only Access

3 years

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Optics and Photonics, Optics and Photonics -- Dissertations, Academic

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