Generation of a Single-Lobe, Far-Field Intensity Pattern From a Laser Diode Array Using an Optical Delay Line.
Abstract
A simple and practical technique is demonstrated to generate a stable, single-lobe, far-field intensity pattern from a one-dimensional, antiphased, laser diode array with gain-guided elements. The two far-field lobes of the array are combined after introducing an optical delay line into the path of one of the lobes to make the lobes mutually incoherent. The incoherent superposition of intensities produces a near-diffraction-limited, single-lobe, far-field intensity pattern containing 84% of the power, exceeding any previous (known) phase control experiments. This technique compares favorably with more elaborate schemes advanced previously using integrated phase plates, etc. The method is directly applicable to one-dimensional laser diode arrays and could be adapted for use with two-dimensional arrays as well.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA289226
Entities
People
- Thomas A. Summers
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology