Unstable laser resonators with super-Gaussian mirrors

Abstract

A new class of tapered reflectivity mirrors with a super-Gaussian profile R infinity exp(-kr(n)) is introduced, and a geometrical-optics approach for analysis and design of unstable resonators made with these mirrors is presented. A super-Gaussian mirror, built by a special evaporation technique, has been tested in an unstable resonator of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser, demonstrating its effectiveness in generating diffraction-limited beams.