Method and apparatus for adjusting the pump distribution in a laser

摘要

An exemplary laser apparatus comprises an amplification medium which amplifies a coherent beam passing through the amplification medium, a pump which provides energy to the amplification medium, a tunnel having a first end proximate to the pump and a second end proximate to the amplification medium, wherein the energy provided by the pump passes through the tunnel en route to the amplification medium, and a moveable member for adjusting a spatial distribution of the energy provided to the amplification medium by the pump. The moveable member typically comprises a flat, reflecting strip or flap which redirects a portion of the energy of the pump beam to a peripheral region of the amplification medium. The angular and translational position of the flap is adjustable on line so that the pump distribution can be adjusted while the laser is running to reduce observed optical distortions caused by heating of the amplification medium.