Wave guide for surface wave transmission of laser radiation

摘要

Apparatus and method for transmission of laser radiation in the infrared portion of the spectrum. A 10.6 mu m laser beam is focused tangentially upon an inner surface of an elongated synclastic wave guide having a generally oval cross-section, and an output end of the wave guide is directed upon a target. Preservation of spatial mode coherence in the laser beam is demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally.