Abstract

In many high power optical systems, it is necessary to relay a beam from one component to another or from the laser output to the target Simple Gaussian beams can be easily relayed with conventional optics; however more complex profiles, such as a flat-top laser mode, require an afocal imaging system to reproduce the mode profile and phase front. Fig. 1a shows a conventional afocal system. For high Fresnel number applications, the intermediate focal point can result in undesirable concentration of light and subsequent air breakdown.

© 1996 Optical Society of America