Motion-free hybrid design laser beam propagation analyzer using a digital micromirror device and a variable focus liquid lens

    Authors

    M. Sheikh;N. A. Riza

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Appl. Optics

    Keywords

    PROFILER; DIVERGENCE; PARAMETERS; Optics

    Abstract

    To the best of our knowledge, we propose the first motion-free laser beam propagation analyzer with a hybrid design using a digital micromirror device (DMD) and a liquid electronically controlled variable focus lens (ECVFL). Unlike prior analyzers that require profiling the beam at multiple locations along the light propagation axis, the proposed analyzer profiles the beam at the same plane for multiple values of the ECVFL focal length, thus eliminating beam profiler assembly motion. In addition to measuring standard Gaussian beam parameters, the analyzer can also be used to measure the M-2 beam propagation parameter of a multimode beam. Proof-of-concept beam parameter measurements with the proposed analyzer are successfully conducted for a 633 nm laser beam. Given the all-digital nature of the DMD-based profiling and all-analog motion-free nature of the ECVFL beam focus control, the proposed analyzer versus prior art promises better repeatability, speed, and reliability. (C) 2010 Optical Society of America

    Journal Title

    Applied Optics

    Volume

    49

    Issue/Number

    16

    Publication Date

    1-1-2010

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    D6

    Last Page

    D11

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000278265600035

    ISSN

    1559-128X

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