For many years parabolic mirrors have been used as the primary focusing optics of short pulse high power lasers. Pushing the boundaries of the highest focused intensities requires not only increases in peak laser power but also exploring the limits of focal spot size. Modelling has been performed at the Central Laser Facility to evaluate the performance and tolerance of the alignment of a variety of off-axis parabolic mirrors and their limitations in correcting beam aberrations. Practical considerations such as debris shields and optic mounting have also been assessed for their effects on the focal spots.

Date Published: 10 September 2013
PDF: 7 pages
Proc. SPIE 8844, Optical System Alignment, Tolerancing, and Verification VII, 884409 (10 September 2013); doi: 10.1117/12.2023948

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 8844:
Optical System Alignment, Tolerancing, and Verification VII
José Sasián; Richard N. Youngworth, Editor(s)