Abstract

The optimum focusing of Gaussian laser beams was studied extensively on the basis of the maximum concentration of energy on a target. However, in many practical applications of laser beams requirements are different—emphasis is placed on the size and shape of the laser spot that is focused by a thin lens and illuminates a target located in a plane at a given distance. In this paper, variation of spot size is discussed and a criterion of minimization of spot size on a target is shown.

© 1992 Optical Society of America