Improved collimation testing technique

Abstract

Laser collimation is an essential part of many experimental setups including optical coherent processors, image transformers, Fourier transform generators, and 4f-based optical systems. A device is required to test the collimation of lasers in such experiments. We are proposing a modification in the existing two-lens-system (TLS)-based collimation testing technique in which a combination of a convex and a concave lens is placed in space between the collimating lens and the first grating of the conventional setup. In the proposed method, we change the position of the second TLS component, placing it between the two gratings. The proposed idea not only reduces the size of the system but also gives improved results. Theoretical modeling and simulated and experimental results are presented to support our idea.