Chirped microlens arrays for diode laser circularization and beam expansion

Peter Schreiber; Peter Dannberg; Bernd Hoefer; Erik Beckert

doi:10.1117/12.616988

30 August 2005 Chirped microlens arrays for diode laser circularization and beam expansion

Peter Schreiber, Peter Dannberg, Bernd Hoefer, Erik Beckert

Proceedings Volume 5876, Laser Beam Shaping VI; 58760K (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.616988
Event: Optics and Photonics 2005, 2005, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Single-mode diode lasers are well-established light sources for a huge number of applications but suffer from astigmatism, beam ellipticity and large manufacturing tolerances of beam parameters. To compensate for these shortcomings, various approaches like anamorphic prism pairs and cylindrical telescopes for circularization as well as variable beam expanders based on zoomed telescopes for precise adjustment of output beam parameters have been employed in the past. The presented new approach for both beam circularization and expansion is based on the use of microlens arrays with chirped focal length: Selection of lenslets of crossed cylindrical microlens arrays as part of an anamorphic telescope enables circularization, astigmatism correction and divergence tolerance compensation of diode lasers simultaneously. Another promising application of chirped spherical lens array telescopes is stepwise variable beam expansion for circular laser beams of fiber or solid-state lasers. In this article we describe design and manufacturing of beam shaping systems with chirped microlens arrays fabricated by polymer-on-glass replication of reflow lenses. A miniaturized diode laser module with beam circularization and astigmatism correction assembled on a structured ceramics motherboard and a modulated RGB laser-source for photofinishing applications equipped with both cylindrical and spherical chirped lens arrays demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed system design approach.

Citation Download Citation

Peter Schreiber, Peter Dannberg, Bernd Hoefer, and Erik Beckert "Chirped microlens arrays for diode laser circularization and beam expansion", Proc. SPIE 5876, Laser Beam Shaping VI, 58760K (30 August 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.616988

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