Abstract

This paper discusses an original structure of an optical laser-beam concentrator for the formation of laser thrust. The concentrator consists of optical elements of conical shape and makes it possible to introduce radiation into the nozzle of a laser engine through a slit in the wall of the nozzle. Results are presented of a theoretical and experimental study of how the phase distortions of the laser beam and the optical aberrations of the concentrator affect the radiation-focusing conditions in the nozzle of the laser engine.

© 2007 Optical Society of America

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