![]() ![]() ![]() This means that Gaussian beams remain constant under transformations. As a Gaussian beam propagates through an optical system it retains a Gaussian irradiance profile, even if the peak value or beam size change. If a Gaussian beam and flat-top beam have the same average optical power, the Gaussian beam will have a peak irradiance twice as large as that of the flat top beam. Lower-quality sources will have some level of other laser modes present as well, but it is often assumed that lasers have an ideal Gaussian profile to simplify system modeling. Most high-quality, single-mode laser sources emit a beam following a low-order Gaussian irradiance profile, which is also known as the TEM 00 mode. Gaussian lasers are more common and cost-efficient than laser sources with other beam profiles. Understanding the benefits of flat-top beam profiles and the different methods for generating them will help laser system integrators better understand what beam profile is the best for their application. Compared to Gaussian beams, flat-top beams can generate cleaner cuts and sharper edges in processing systems, but generating a flat top adds additional system cost and complexity. This results in more accurate and predictable results in applications such as semiconductor wafer processing, other materials processing, and nonlinear frequency conversion with high-power beams. The irradiance cross-section of Gaussian beams decreases symmetrically with increasing distance from the center in contrast, flat-top beams, also known as top-hat beams, maintain a constant irradiance value through a beam cross-section, providing a consistent intensity across the target of a laser system (see Fig. Most laser beams have a Gaussian irradiance profile, although it can be beneficial to use a non-Gaussian beam in certain applications. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |