Open AccessPassive compensation of laser-induced higher-order aberrations in high-power NIR optics
Author(s) -
Martin Stubenvoll,
Bernd Schäfer,
Klaus Mann
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.25.025407
Subject(s) - optics , wavefront , compensation (psychology) , laser , adaptive optics , polarization (electrochemistry) , deformable mirror , physics , caustic (mathematics) , optical power , materials science , psychology , chemistry , psychoanalysis , mathematical physics
We report a method for passive compensation of thermally induced focal shifts and higher-order aberrations of NIR laser processing optics. Theoretical considerations are made on the elimination of aberrations including polarization effects using a multi-stage compensation element with optical flats of both positive and negative dn/dT. A compensation layout is designed and optimized utilizing numerical simulations of thermo-optic effects. Based on these findings, optical elements for compensation of an F-Theta objective are manufactured. By means of wavefront measurements and beam caustic measurements the feasibility of simultaneous passive compensation of focal shifts and higher-order aberrations is demonstrated.