Abstract

An unstable resonator that uses radially variable-reflectivity mirrors of super-Gaussian profile has been used in a Nd:YAG laser in the Q-switching regime. Three reflectivity profiles, corresponding to different super-Gaussian orders, have been tested. The output energy increases with the super-Gaussian order and can be higher than that of a traditional stable multimode resonator. The output beams are diffraction limited, showing only moderate spreading of energy out of the central lobe in the far field.

© 1991 Optical Society of America

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