Dynamic coherent beam combining based on a setup of microlens arrays

Abstract

A novel optical concept is introduced with standard components for highly efficient coherent beam combining a system of (N × N) beams. In a proof-of-principle experiment a well-defined setup with microlens arrays (MLAs) is used to create a beam matrix of 5 × 5 beams. For the combination step the same setup is employed, and the created 25 beams are combined. A combination efficiency above 90 % is achieved. Furthermore, the concept allows for dynamic beam combination, i.e., the resulting number of beams and corresponding positions can be controlled by the absolute phases of the array of input beams. A proof-of-principle experiment shows excellent agreement with the model.

Towards Ultimate High-Power Scaling: Coherent Beam Combining of Fiber Lasers

“…Both the splitting and combining procedures were realized with MLAs. Figure 8 Recently, a new method for dynamic focus shaping based on highly efficient CBC within mixed-aperture geometry has been demonstrated [198,199]. In this technique, by changing the absolute phases of each input beam, the power weights of diffraction orders are controlled.…”

“…Distributed-feedback (DFB) lasers have been demonstrated as a promising candidate for low phase noise, single frequency, and single-polarization seed laser for utilizing in high-power MOPA systems [200,201]. In the Recently, a new method for dynamic focus shaping based on highly efficient CBC within mixed-aperture geometry has been demonstrated [198,199]. In this technique, by changing the absolute phases of each input beam, the power weights of diffraction orders are controlled.…”

Towards Ultimate High-power Scaling: Coherent Beam Combing of Fiber Lasers

“…Recently, a new method for dynamic focus shaping based on highly efficient CBC within mixed-aperture geometry has been demonstrated [198,199]. In this technique, by changing the absolute phases of each input beam, the power weights of diffraction orders are controlled.…”

Structured light for ultrafast laser micro- and nanoprocessing

“…[26][27][28] Equally conceivable are concepts where the laser system itself is able to provide structured light. Such systems based, for example, on intracavity beam shaping, 29,30 amplified transverse fiber modes, 31,32 or on coherent beam combining [33][34][35] enable complex focus shaping up to highly dynamic focus scanning and splitting. In the future, these concepts could replace the classical processing optics.…”