Ultra-fast and stable method to change the divergence of a laser beam

摘要

An optical system including a first lens element having an optical center, a second lens element having an optical center spaced apart from the first lens element and oriented such that a beam passing through the optical center of said first lens element will also pass straight the optical center of the second lens element, the beam defining an optical path; and;at least one planar, optical slab configured to be movable between at least two positions, a first position wherein at least a portion of a planar surface of the optical slab is disposed between the first and second lens elements such that a beam transmitted therethrough also passes through the planar, optical slab and a second position wherein the planar, optical slab is fully outside of the optical path created by the first and second lens elements.