Semiconductor laser beam quality metrics for free-space optical communications

James Beil, Rebecca Swertfeger, Stephen Misak, Zihe Gao, Kent D. Choquette, Paul O. Leisher

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The beam propagation factor, M2, exists as one of very few measures of a laser's performance, when really a more detailed analysis of the application and laser are necessary for judgement in most cases. In free-space optical communications, a crucial figure of merit is the proportion of diffraction-limited power in the farfield. A calculated structure has been made with a higher proportion of diffraction-limited power in the farfield than another calculated structure with a much better M2. This calculated structure has an M2 of 19, with 89% of its power within the diffraction limit in the far-field, compared to another calculated structure with M2 of 1.7 that has 86% of its power within the diffraction limit in the far-field.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPHOTOPTICS 2017 - Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Photonics, Optics and Laser Technology
EditorsMaria Raposo, David Andrews, Paulo A. Ribeiro
PublisherSciTePress
Pages196-201
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9789897582233
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017
Event5th International Conference on Photonics, Optics and Laser Technology, PHOTOPTICS 2017 - Porto, Portugal
Duration: Feb 27 2017Mar 1 2017

Publication series

NamePHOTOPTICS 2017 - Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Photonics, Optics and Laser Technology
Volume2017-January

Other

Other5th International Conference on Photonics, Optics and Laser Technology, PHOTOPTICS 2017
Country/TerritoryPortugal
CityPorto
Period2/27/173/1/17

Keywords

  • Beam Metrics
  • Beam Parameter Product
  • Beam Propagation Factor
  • Beam Quality
  • Beam Waist
  • Diffraction
  • Diode Laser
  • Divergence Angle
  • Far
  • Field
  • Field
  • Free
  • Gaussian
  • Limited
  • Semiconductor Laser
  • Space Optical Communications
  • near

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

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