Laser beam characterization using agile digital-analog photonics

Abstract

Precise knowledge of laser beam parameters is a key requirement in many photonics applications including for lasers and optics used in the transportation industry. This paper reports on a novel motion-free laser beam characterization system using electronically agile digital and analog photonics such as a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) and an analog variable focal length lens. The proposed system has the capability of measuring all the parameters of a laser beam including minimum waist size, minimum waist location, beam divergence and the beam propagation parameter (M2). Experimental results demonstrate the measurement of the minimum beam waist size and location for a test 633 nm fundamental mode Gaussian laser beam. The system is also applicable for imaging of arbitrary beams including non-laser beams.