Use Of Zernike Polynomials And Interferometry In The Optical Design And Assembly Of Large Carbon-Dioxide Laser Systems

V. K. Viswanathan

doi:10.1117/12.932361

26 February 1982 Use Of Zernike Polynomials And Interferometry In The Optical Design And Assembly Of Large Carbon-Dioxide Laser Systems

V. K. Viswanathan

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 0294, New Methods for Optical, Quasi-Optical, Acoustic, and Electromagnetic Synthesis; (1982) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.932361
Event: 25th Annual Technical Symposium, 1981, San Diego, United States

Abstract

This paper describes the need for non-raytracing schemes in the optical design and analysis of large carbon-dioxide lasers like the Gigawatt,¹ Gemini, ² and Helios³ lasers currently operational at Los Alamos, and the Antares 4 laser fusion system under construction. The scheme currently used at Los Alamos involves characterizing the various optical components with a Zernike polynomial sets obtained by the digitization6 of experimentally produced interferograms of the components. A Fast Fourier Transform code then propagates the complex amplitude and phase of the beam through the whole system and computes the optical parameters of interest. The analysis scheme is illustrated through examples of the Gigawatt, Gemini, and Helios systems. A possible way of using the Zernike polynomials in optical design problems of this type is discussed. Comparisons between the computed values and experimentally obtained results are made and it is concluded that this appears to be a valid approach. As this is a review article, some previously published results are also used where relevant.

Citation Download Citation

V. K. Viswanathan "Use Of Zernike Polynomials And Interferometry In The Optical Design And Assembly Of Large Carbon-Dioxide Laser Systems", Proc. SPIE 0294, New Methods for Optical, Quasi-Optical, Acoustic, and Electromagnetic Synthesis, (26 February 1982); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.932361

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