Propagating aberrated light

Date
2012
Authors
Mafusire C.
Forbes A.
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Abstract
We outline a theory for the calculation of the laser beam quality factor of an aberrated laser beam. We provide closed form equations which show that the beam quality factor of an aberrated Gaussian beam depends on all primary aberrations except tilt, defocus and x-astigmatism. The model is verified experimentally by implementing aberrations as digital holograms in the laboratory. We extend this concept to defining the mean focal length of an aberrated lens, and show how this definition may be of use in controlling thermal aberrations in laser resonators. Finally, we look at aberration correction and control using a combination of spatial light modulators and adaptive mirrors. © 2012 Copyright Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).
Description
Keywords
adaptive optics, beam quality factor, laser beam moments, mean focal length, optical aberrations
Citation
Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE
8236