Two-dimensional coherent beam combination using circular or spiral diffraction grating
View Patent ↗Examples of combining multiple laser beams into a single laser beam by using a circular or spiral diffraction grating are described. The multiple laser beams can be combined coherently or incoherently depending on the geometrical layout of the laser beams.
1. A system capable of coherently combining a plurality of optical beams, comprising:
a plurality of single-wavelength lasers arranged in a ring-shaped pattern; and
a diffractive element,
wherein, when energized, the plurality of single-wavelength lasers emit the plurality of optical beams such that the plurality of optical beams impinge on a central region of the diffractive element to combine the optical beams to form a single laser beam,
wherein the single laser beam resonates through a laser cavity formed by a partial reflector and the plurality of single-wavelength lasers, and
wherein the diffractive element comprises a circular grating configured to generate one or more ring-like diffractive patterns.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the single-wavelength lasers comprise at least one array of semiconductor diode lasers, fiber lasers, solid-state lasers, gas lasers, or a combination thereof.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein a spectral bandwidth of the optical beams emitted by the single-wavelength lasers is equal to or less than 5 nanometers.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the diffractive element comprises a reflective grating or a transmissive grating.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more ring-like diffractive patterns comprise a continuous or discrete form of one or more ring-like shapes.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more ring-like diffractive patterns match with a diffractive angle of the diffractive element at the single-wavelength lasers.
7. A system capable of coherently combining a plurality of optical beams, comprising:
a plurality of single-wavelength lasers arranged in a ring-shaped pattern; and
a diffractive element,
wherein, when energized, the plurality of single-wavelength lasers emit the plurality of optical beams such that the plurality of optical beams impinge on a central region of the diffractive element to combine the optical beams to form a single laser beam,
wherein the single laser beam resonates through a laser cavity formed by a partial reflector and the plurality of single-wavelength lasers, and
wherein the diffractive element comprises a spiral grating configured to generate one or more ring-like diffractive patterns.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the one or more ring-like diffractive patterns comprise a continuous or discrete form of one or more ring-like shapes.
9. The system of claim 7 , wherein the one or more ring-like diffractive patterns match with a diffractive angle of the diffractive element at the single-wavelength lasers.