High-resolution digital spatial control of a highly multimode laser

We developed a rapid and efficient method for generating laser outputs with arbitrary shaped distributions and properties that are needed for a variety of applications. It is based on simultaneously controlling the intensity, phase, and coherence distributions of the laser. The method involves a digital degenerate cavity laser in which a phase-only spatial light modulator and spatial filters are incorporated. As a result, a variety of unique and high-resolution arbitrary shaped laser beams were generated with either a low or a high spatial coherence and with a minimal change in the laser output power. By controlling the phase, intensity, and coherence distributions, a shaped laser beam was efficiently reshaped into a completely different shape after free space propagation. The generation of such laser beams could lead to new and interesting applications. (C) 2021 Optical Society of America under the terms of the OSA Open Access Publishing Agreement

Automated summary

The method involves a digital degenerate cavity laser, phase-only spatial light modulator, and spatial filters to control the intensity, phase, and coherence distributions of laser beams. It can generate high-resolution arbitrary shaped laser beams with minimal change in output power by reshaping the beams efficiently through free space propagation.