title: Comparison of resonator-originated and external beam shaping.
abstract: The spatial shaping of laser beams is a subject of research in modern optics. Recently the introduction of diffractive elements in laser resonators has offered an alternative to external beam-shaping optics by mode shaping within the resonator. We describe the specification of the laser resonator mirrors to obtain by means of internal mode shaping a desired beam outside the resonator. Modal discrimination of the modified resonator and the mirror alignment sensitivity is discussed. Basic features of resonator-originated and external beam shaping are compared.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Angewandte Physik, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: U D
authors.initials: UD
authors.lastname: Zeitner
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Aagedal
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wyrowski