Diffractive laser beam shaping for round uniform intensity and uniform phase profiles using a single diffractive phase element

摘要

Many laser material processing applications depend only on the intensity profile at a given working plane. A single diffractive optic has been shown to produce useful results in the material processing environment where the intensity is the only concern. However, for laser application that depend on the intensity profile and the phase profile together, it seems self-evident that a minimum of two diffractive phase elements is required. Although, this two element approach can be effective, it requires more complex alignment and a higher energy loss for the diffractive system, relative to a single element solution. For demanding laser applications like holography, both phase and intensity are critical to the process. This paper will discuss the theory and experimental data to support the use of a single diffractive optic for use in holography, and other phase critical applications for round uniform shaped beams.