Abstract

Theory predicts that monochromatic radiation can be focussed by a diffractive optical element to a diffraction limited focal spot with nearly 100 % efficiency. Thus, large energy densities are predicted at the focal point making diffractive optical elements well suited for application to industrial laser cutting and welding technology. To utilize this potential, Coherent, in collaboration with HoloOr, has fabricated ZnSe and GaAs diffractive optical elements designed to be used in carbon dioxide industrial laser systems. These elements exhibit high diffraction efficiency and diffraction limited focal spot sizes.

© 1992 Optical Society of America