Laser beam analysis, propagation, and spatial shaping techniques

The propagation and focusing properties of real laser beams are greatly influenced by beam shape, phase distortions, degree of coherence, and aperture truncation effects. The ability to understand, predict, and correct these real-world effects is essential in optical engineering. This short course develops the analytical tools for measuring and quantifying the important characteristics of a real laser beam, allowing the optical engineer to calculate the performance of the beam in a given optical system. In addition, the intensity, phase, and polarization of laser beams can often be engineered to enhance system performance. The course explores a wide variety of engineering approaches to beam optimization using intuitive design methods coupled with a rigorous mathematical treatment of fundamental limits.