M-squared laser measurement as simple as measuring laser power

Michael Scaggs; Gil Haas

doi:10.1117/12.2541541

2 March 2020 M-squared laser measurement as simple as measuring laser power

Michael Scaggs, Gil Haas

Proceedings Volume 11266, Laser Resonators, Microresonators, and Beam Control XXII; 112661A (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2541541
Event: SPIE LASE, 2020, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

M-squared laser measurement has long been a challenging measurement; even for the expert. The problem has basically been one of too many “moving” parts in the measurement system and this coupled with the lack of any national standard save for a method of measurement (ISO 11146-1 [2005]), the high variation of measurement repeatability has been the norm. The M-square value of a laser is as important as the basic power of the laser and the two values together provide an accurate means to establish the laser systems true potential of peak power in application use. A novel optical approach has been developed which makes the M-square measurement as simple as measuring the laser power; whereby one simply aligns the M-square system to the input beam like a laser power meter; enter in a few basic parameters: wavelength, lens focal length, back focal length, etalon value and the measurement is automatic and instant. The entire laser beam caustic is measured on a single camera with extremely good signal to noise ratio from the first to beyond the third Rayleigh range within the frame rate of the sensor which provides an M-square in a fraction of a second or within a single laser pulse. Whether the user is an expert or a complete novice, the M-square value is the same from one user to another or from one measurement to another with high repeatability and stability.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Michael Scaggs and Gil Haas "M-squared laser measurement as simple as measuring laser power", Proc. SPIE 11266, Laser Resonators, Microresonators, and Beam Control XXII, 112661A (2 March 2020); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2541541

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