Abstract

Coherent arrays of lasers, especially diode lasers, are receiving increasing attention because of their ability to provide high power. However, arrays frequently require large spacings between elements, and this results in an unacceptable number of lobes in the far-field pattern. We demonstrate the use of binary phase plates at self-imaging (sub-Talbot) planes of the array to reduce the number of lobes and to increase the on-axis irradiance in the far field. The phase plates are etched in fused silica.

© 1989 Optical Society of America