Feedback control of optical beam spatial profiles using thermal lensing

TL;DR

This paper presents a feedback control method for laser beam profiles using adaptive thermal lensing with a segmented heater, enabling stabilization and steering of the beam in real-time.

Contribution

It introduces a novel adaptive thermal lensing technique with a segmented heater for active beam profile control and stabilization.

Findings

Successfully stabilized beam size and position.

Enabled beam steering in horizontal and vertical directions.

Demonstrated real-time adaptive control of laser profiles.

Abstract

A method for active control of the spatial profile of a laser beam using adaptive thermal lensing is described. A segmented electrical heater was used to generate thermal gradients across a transmissive optical element, resulting in a controllable thermal lens. The segmented heater also allows the generation of cylindrical lenses, and provides the capability to steer the beam in both horizontal and vertical planes. Using this device as an actuator, a feedback control loop was developed to stabilize the beam size and position.