Coherent beam combining with micro-lens arrays

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new method for coherent beam combining using microlens arrays, demonstrating high efficiency in combining multiple laser beams with a simple setup.

Contribution

The paper presents the mixed aperture concept, utilizing standard microlens arrays for efficient coherent beam splitting and combining in a novel way.

Findings

Achieved over 90% combination efficiency.

Demonstrated coherent beam splitting and combining with a 5x5 beam array.

Validated the feasibility of the mixed aperture approach.

Abstract

A novel concept for coherent beam combining is presented based on a simple setup with microlens arrays. These standard components are used in a proof-of-principle experiment for both coherent beam splitting and combination of 5 x 5 beams. Here a combination efficiency above 90% is achieved. We call this novel concept mixed aperture.