Title :
Modal Analysis of Path Length Sensitivity in Superposition Architectures for Coherent Laser Beam Combining
Author :
Khajavikhan, Mercedeh ; Leger, James R.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Electr. & Comput. Eng., Univ. of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Abstract :
An analytical model is developed to describe the modal behavior of a class of coherent beam combining resonators based on laser beam superposition. This model is used to explore the interplay between modal discrimination and tolerance to gain element path length changes. Under certain conditions, the sensitivity to the random phase fluctuations of the individual gain elements can be substantially reduced.
Keywords :
RPA calculations; laser beams; laser modes; optical resonators; tolerance analysis; coherent beam combining resonators; coherent laser beam combining; gain elements; laser beam superposition; modal analysis; modal discrimination; path length sensitivity; random phase fluctuations; superposition architectures; tolerance; Fiber lasers; Fiber nonlinear optics; Laser beams; Laser modes; Modal analysis; Nonlinear optics; Optical fiber polarization; Optical resonators; Pump lasers; Semiconductor laser arrays; Coherent beam combining; fiber lasers; phase fluctuations;
Journal_Title :
Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
DOI :
10.1109/JSTQE.2008.2012353
