Laser Beam Characterization using Agile Digital-Analog Photonics

摘要

Precise knowledge of laser beam parameters is a key requirement in many photonics applications including for lasers and optics used in the transportation industry. This paper reports on a novel motion-free laser beam characterization system using electronically agile digital and analog photonics such as a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) and an analog variable focal length lens. The proposed system has the capability of measuring all the parameters of a laser beam including minimum waist size, minimum waist location, beam divergence and the beam propagation parameter (M~2). Experimental results demonstrate the measurement of the minimum beam waist size and location for a test 633 nm fundamental mode Gaussian laser beam. The system is also applicable for imaging of arbitrary beams including non-laser beams.