Many laser material processing applications require an optimized beam profile, e.g., ring shape or Top-Hat profiles with homogeneous intensity distribution. In this study, we show a beam shaping concept leading to a phase shifting element with binary height profile as well as a very low periodicity with near diffraction limited spot size. Further advantages of so-called Fundamental Beam Mode Shaping (FBS) elements are the simplified handling, and a high efficiency and homogeneity. The calculated height profile of FBS elements are transferred in fused silica substrates using a combination of microlithography technologies, reactive ion etching (RIE) and ion beam etching (IBE). The experiments demonstrated a linear relation between the etching depth after RIE and IBE. The optical evaluation of the manufactured FBS beam mode shaper confirmed the presented concept design.
Vector Mathieu beam profile engineering for laser material processing applications