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Definition and measurements of high-power laser beam parameters

  • Determination of Beam Quality and Mode Structure
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Abstract

Three definitions of the beam quality, characterized by waist radius and far-field divergence, of high average power laser beams are investigated. The beam parameters can be defined by their second moments, the power content profile and the power content area. The methods of measurement are described in detail and compared with respect to their suitability for two high-power laser systems: a cw Nd:YAG-rod laser and an annular system. The validity of theABCD law was checked experimentally. Additionally, third and fourth-order intensity moments were used to characterize the laser field in more detail.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Festkörper-Laser-Institut Berlin GmbH, Strasse des 17. Juni 135, W-1000, Berlin 12, Germany

    N. Reng

  2. Optisches Institut, Technische Universität Berlin, Strasse des 17. Juni 135, D-1000, Berlin 12, Germany

    B. Eppich

Authors
  1. N. Reng
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  2. B. Eppich
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Reng, N., Eppich, B. Definition and measurements of high-power laser beam parameters. Opt Quant Electron 24, S973–S992 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01588599

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01588599

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