Vortex laser by transforming Gaussian mode with an interferometric output coupler
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Published version
Author(s)
Kerridge-Johns, William
Geberbauer, JWT
Damzen, Michael
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Generation of vortex beams directly from the laser source can be limited in power and efficiency, or to specific pump sources and gain media. Here, we propose a new high power and high efficiency vortex laser methodology with interferometric mode transformation as output coupling, which uses high power handling and low loss optics that have wavelength versatility. Experimental demonstration is made in a diode-pumped Nd:YVO4 laser using an imbalanced Sagnac interferometer as output coupler producing high quality vortex output beams (M2 = 2.07) with fully selectable control of handedness whilst the intracavity mode is maintained as a fundamental Gaussian. Vortex output power >3W is produced with only small reduction in efficiency compared to the equivalent TEM00 laser. Continuous variation of vortex output coupling transmission and the quality of the vortex is investigated experimentally showing good agreement with theory. This work reveals a new approach to high power structured laser radiation direct from the source through interferometric spatial mode transformations.
Date Issued
2019-04-15
Date Acceptance
2019-03-29
Citation
Optics Express, 2019, 27 (8), pp.11642-11650
ISSN
1094-4087
Publisher
Optical Society of America (OSA)
Start Page
11642
End Page
11650
Journal / Book Title
Optics Express
Volume
27
Issue
8
Copyright Statement
© 2019 The Author(s). Published by The Optical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article's title, journal citation, and DOI.
Sponsor
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (E
Grant Number
EP/R511547/1
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Optics
ORBITAL ANGULAR-MOMENTUM
LIGHT
BEAMS
Optics
0205 Optical Physics
0906 Electrical and Electronic Engineering
1005 Communications Technologies
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2019-04-12