Abstract

We measured the higher-order modes of a diffractive-optic graded-phase resonator by suppressing the lower-order modes of a flash-lamp-pumped Nd:YAG laser with spatial filters. A diffractive-optic end mirror was used to establish a flattop fundamental mode. Measurements of the fundamental and higher-order mode shapes agreed with theoretical models. Quantitative measurements of modal discrimination substantiate the predictions of large discrimination between the fundamental and second-order modes.

© 1995 Optical Society of America

Design and performance of diffractive optics for custom laser resonators

James R. Leger, Diana Chen, and Greg Mowry
Appl. Opt. 34(14) 2498-2509 (1995)

Modal properties of an external diode-laser-array cavity with diffractive mode-selecting mirrors

James R. Leger, Greg Mowry, and Xu Li
Appl. Opt. 34(21) 4302-4311 (1995)

High modal discrimination in a Nd:YAG laser resonator with internal phase gratings

James R. Leger, Diana Chen, and Kevin Dai
Opt. Lett. 19(23) 1976-1978 (1994)

Diffractive optical element for mode shaping of a Nd:YAG laser

James R. Leger, Diana Chen, and Zhong Wang
Opt. Lett. 19(2) 108-110 (1994)

Optical resonators using graded-phase mirrors

P. A. Bélanger and C. Paré
Opt. Lett. 16(14) 1057-1059 (1991)