Novel intra-cavity diffractive mode selecting element designs for high-power laser applications

Summary form only given. We apply diffractive optical elements for intracavity mode selection. The systems studied include CW and pulsed setups and both linear and ring-cavities. Results from numerical simulations and experimental results are presented. We use diffractive optical elements (DOE) for intra-cavity mode selection to shape the fundamental mode of laser resonators. Using a phase-conjugating mode selecting element (MSE) in the master oscillator of a high-power laser system, we are able to produce a near-perfect super-Gaussian mode with a flat intensity profile which is able to extract much higher energy from the amplifier than a Gaussian TEM/sub 00/ mode and avoid gain medium self-focusing effects.