UNSTABLE RESONATOR SYSTEM PRODUCING A HIGH IRRADIANCE BEAM IN THE FAR FIELD

摘要

Laser systems comprising an unstable resonator and optics for increasing the magnification of the output beam from the resonator to concentrate the power distribution in the far field are disclosed. The resonator device produces a beam of laser energy which is an annulus in cross section and matched optics change the energy distribution in the annulus; both refractory and reflecting optics are disclosed. Also graphs describing the intensity distribution of the annular beam under various conditions in both the near field and far field locations in the optical system are provided.