A new configuration for phase control in laser coherent combination utilizing liquid crystal optical modulator

Abstract

In a laser coherent combination, the phase detection and control is the most critical. Using the beat frequency method, consistence of the phase in output beams can be ensured through real-time detection and correction for the phase change. Phase noises are controlled by a liquid crystal phase modulator. At the same time, the liquid crystal polarization controller is used to make the polarization state stable, which is good for the improvement of the combining efficiency. The wave length of the main oscillation laser is 532 nm. The output power of laser can be adjusted continuously from 0 to 6 W. The shifted frequency of the system is 40 MHz. The accuracy for phase control is superior to λ/70 RMS. In the process of closed-loop control, using the liquid crystal phase and polarization controller, a better signal phase correction of optical path has been achieved for the coherent combination of high power laser arrays.