Abstract

The principle of precise addressing of laser beams which uses laser intracavity read-out of images generated by spatial light modulators (write in-read out WJRO algorithm) and wavefront conjugation techniques (WFC) are described. A laser system design is discussed where the beam spatial distribution is controlled in low-power master oscillator, and the amplification is obtained in large-FOV amplifiers with nonlinear WFC. The limitations on the FOV, amplification, and obtainable energy connected with physical (e.g., super luminescence) and technical (e.g., vignetting) causes are discussed for solid-state laser systems. Special features of wavefront conjugation techniques in such systems are treated. As an example the repetitively pumped Nd:YAG laser-WJRO system with SBS-WFC mirrors, a random access electrical-addressing spatial light modulator, and phasing of several parallel amplifying channels is described.

© 1993 Optical Society of America