title: Variable-diameter refractive beam shaping with freeform optical surfaces.
abstract: We propose a refractive two-element system that converts the gaussian irradiance of an incident laser beam into a nominally flat-top output spot at a given distance with the capability to vary the spot diameter. The elements are high-order freeform surfaces that, when laterally translated, form a variable composite beam shaper. The general approach for determining the required freeform surfaces is discussed, and example design results are presented.
authors: Center for Optoelectronics and Optical Communications, Department of Physics and Optical Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, USA.
authors: Paul J
authors: PJ
authors: Smilie
authors: Thomas J
authors: TJ
authors: Suleski