Case for standardized measurements on optical components mounted in laser systems

Roger M. Wood

doi:10.1117/12.512083

26 February 2004 Case for standardized measurements on optical components mounted in laser systems

Roger M. Wood

Proceedings Volume 5252, Optical Fabrication, Testing, and Metrology; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.512083
Event: Optical Systems Design, 2003, St. Etienne, France

Abstract

Most optical systems are designed on the assumption that the optical component's performance is set soley by the functional specification i.e. that the shape, form, finish and refractive index of the component material. Lip service, at best, is paid to the fact that all materials have an absorption coefficient that dominates these parameters. Very little thought is given to the effect of the holder, that the absorption may not be spatially uniform or that the resulting temperature rise may be non-uniform, to birefringence, to changes in the refractive indices or to lowered damage thresholds, These effects in turn affect the beam propagation characteristics of the beam. All these effects have been observed in a variety of different laser systems. A series of examples are recorded to illustrate the theme and to illustrate the further contention that the performance of optical components needs to be tested in the systems in which they will be finally used. It will then follow that, in order to obtain agreement between optical component manufacturers and system manufacturers and users, standardised measurements have to be made.

Citation Download Citation

Roger M. Wood "Case for standardized measurements on optical components mounted in laser systems", Proc. SPIE 5252, Optical Fabrication, Testing, and Metrology, (26 February 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.512083

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available