Abstract

The given laser intensity distribution could be formed by different ways - both extracavity and intracavity. The main advantage of intracavity way is not only the possibility to form the desirable intensity structure but to increase total power of laser radiation. One of the well-known approach here is to apply graded reflectivity mirrors [1]. But such mirrors introduce sufficient intrinsic power losses and can be used only in lasers with large gain of active medium (mostly with unstable resonators). It was suggested then to extend the same fabrication technology for making graded-phase mirrors [2] which can be used in stable laser cavities for the given intensity output formation. However the main drawback of such mirors is the rigidity of their surface profile, so every change of laser parameters needs the special mirror to be made and applied.

© 2000 IEEE