High Beam Quality Research Articles

Refraction displacement pulse sequence combination based on a fast steering mirror stabilization system

In this paper, a fast steering mirror (FSM) stabilization system is proposed for a refraction displacement pulse sequence beam-combining (PSBC) technique. The FSM system can effectively suppress pointing jitter in the PSBC and achieve high beam-quality laser output. A proof-of-principle experiment on the PSBC with FSM is performed with three ∼100W pulsed beams. The experimental results indicate that a combined output power of 302.5 W is achieved, corresponding to a high combining efficiency of 98.7%. Meanwhile, excellent pointing stability with root mean square pointing jitter = 4.2 µrad is confirmed with a beam quality β of 2.

Research on high beam quality 3 × 1 double-cone fiber signal combiner at 9 kW level.

The fiber signal combiner with high output power and high beam quality is an urgent problem to be solved. In this paper, the structure of the double-cone (both the input fibers and the output fiber are tapered) is proposed to improve the beam quality of the fiber signal combiner, and it is verified by simulation and experiment, with the output fiber of 50 µm core tapered to 35 µm as an example. The prepared 3 × 1 double-cone fiber signal combiner reaches the output power of 8.64 kW, and the beam quality is measured as M2 = 2.91. Compared with the M2 = 3.41 of the fiber signal combiner with non-tapered output fiber, the M2 of the double-cone fiber signal combiner is reduced by 14.7%.

All-dielectric meta-surface transmission-mode ultra-thin GaAs negative electron affinity photocathode

Transmission-mode (t-mode) GaAs negative electron affinity photocathodes (NEA-PCs) can be integrated with the optical focusing lenses and microchannel plates to produce high-quality electron beams and high-sensitive detectors. Quantum efficiency (QE) of ∼40% has been reported for the t-mode thick (>1000 nm) GaAs NEA-PCs. Nevertheless, practical applications of these devices have been seriously restricted by their long response time (tens of picoseconds). In this work, the all-dielectric meta-surfaces (ADMS) were designed as the light managers for the t-mode ultra-thin GaAs NEA-PCs. For the 500–850 nm waveband, high light absorption (>80%) can be obtained through coupling the electromagnetic dipole moments of ADMS into the leaky optical modes in 100 nm ultra-thin GaAs NEA-PC layer, which leads to enhanced QE higher than that of the thick ones, the response time less than 5 ps, and the mean transverse energy less than 60 meV, respectively. Given these properties, ADMS t-model ultra-thin NEA-PCs represent a promising photocathode to provide the high-brightness short-pulse spin-polarized electron beams and high-sensitive fast-response detectors for the electron accelerator and low-light-level photodetection applications, respectively.

An efficient method to generate near-ideal hollow beams of different shapes for box potential of quantum gases.

Ultracold quantum gases are usually prepared in conservative traps for quantum simulation experiments. The atomic density inhomogeneity, together with the consequent position-dependent energy and time scales of cold atoms in traditional harmonic traps, makes it difficult to manipulate and detect the sample at a higher level. These problems are partially solved by optical box traps made of blue-detuned hollow beams. However, generating a high-quality hollow beam with high light efficiency for the box trap is challenging. Here, we present a scheme that combines the fixed optics, including axicons and prisms, to pre-shape a Gaussian beam into a hollow beam with a digital micromirror device (DMD) to improve the quality of the hollow beam further, providing a nearly ideal optical potential of various shapes for preparing highly homogeneous cold atoms. The highest power-law exponent of potential walls can reach a value over 100, and the light efficiency from a Gaussian to a hollow beam is also improved compared to direct optical shaping by a mask or a DMD. Combined with a one-dimensional optical lattice, a nearly ideal two-dimensional uniform quantum gas with different geometrical boundaries can be prepared for exploring quantum many-body physics to an unprecedented level.

Concept for power scaling by harmonic beam coaxial combination in an intra-cavity frequency doubling laser.

A new method of harmonic beam coaxial combination (HBCC) from two intra-cavity frequency doubling branches was demonstrated. Firstly, two identical nanosecond (ns) 532 nm green lasers with high power and good beam quality were created. Each green laser was constructed of an intra-cavity frequency doubling branch based on a laser diode (LD) end-pumped acousto-optical (AO) Q-switched 1064 nm Nd:YVO4 laser in a LiB3O5 (LBO) nonlinear crystal. Each branch generated about 45 W green output at a 50 kHz pulse repetition rate (PRR) with diffraction limited beam quality. The first green beam was injected into the LBO crystal in the second branch, and the pulses from the two branches did not exist simultaneously. Then, the HBCC was performed. Consequently, an 83 W combined green output power at 532 nm was obtained with a combination efficiency of 92.2%. The PRR of the HBCC pulse was doubled to be 100 kHz, with a pulse width of about 22 ns, corresponding to a single pulse energy of 0.83 mJ and a peak power of 37.73 kW. The combined beam quality factor was measured to be M x2 = 1.80 in the x direction and M y2 = 1.71 in the y direction, respectively. Moreover, many more beams could also be combined with this method for further scaling the green power.

Spexwavepy: an open-source Python package for X-ray wavefront sensing using speckle-based techniques.

In situ wavefront sensing plays a critical role in the delivery of high-quality beams for X-ray experiments. X-ray speckle-based techniques stand out among other in situ techniques for their easy experimental setup and various data acquisition modes. Although X-ray speckle-based techniques have been under development for more than a decade, there are still no user-friendly software packages for new researchers to begin with. Here, we present an open-source Python package, spexwavepy, for X-ray wavefront sensing using speckle-based techniques. This Python package covers a variety of X-ray speckle-based techniques, provides plenty of examples with real experimental data and offers detailed online documentation for users. We hope it can help new researchers learn and apply the speckle-based techniques for X-ray wavefront sensing to synchrotron radiation and X-ray free-electron laser beamlines.

Combined axicon design based on a structural parameter optimization algorithm.

This study proposes a combined axicon (CA) design method based on a structural parameter optimization algorithm designed to rapidly address the demands of practical application scenarios, precisely tailor structural parameters, and produce high-quality Bessel beams (HQ-QBBs) that satisfy specific requirements. Compared to generating an HQ-QBB using an axicon, our method effectively overcomes the shortcomings of fewer tunable factors, a large number of high-energy side-lobes, and limited non-diffractive regions. Through detailed analyses of the transmission characteristics, imaging characteristics, and thick-sample detection ability of the generated HQ-QBB, the significant advantages of the proposed method are demonstrated. The proposed method is not only relevant to current research but also demonstrates wide-ranging application potential in future lens designs.

Morphological Profiling of Unilateral Condylar Hyperplasia: Implications for Surgical Decision-Making.

Unilateral condylar hyperplasia (UCH) presents challenges with functional and esthetic concerns, including facial and chin asymmetry, prognathism, class III malocclusion, and temporomandibular joint symptoms. This study aims to precisely locate condylar and mandibular asymmetry in patients with UCH, aiding targeted surgical correction and addressing persistent skeletal changes. This retrospective study analyzed data from patients with UCH and controls, utilizing high-quality cone beam computed tomography scans with 1mm or fewer slices. Morphometric points were placed using Planmeca software, measuring linear distances on both affected and unaffected sides. In a cohort of 40 patients (29 UCH, 11 controls), significant differences in condylar head and neck lengths were observed between the affected and unaffected sides in patients with UCH ( P = 0.0019). However, ramus length showed no significant variation ( P = 0.65). When comparing differences in condylar head and neck length between controls and patients with UCH, a substantial contrast was evident ( P = 1.98e-07), while ramus length differences were not significant ( P = 1.00). The median condylar head and neck lengths were 20.3mm for controls, 19.78mm for the unaffected side in patients with UCH, and 23.48mm for the affected side. Facial asymmetry in UCH primarily results from differences in condylar head and neck length, not ramus length. This emphasizes the importance of high condylectomy in addition to bilateral sagittal split osteotomy to achieve improved symmetry and reduced temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Understanding these regional skeletal changes is critical for effective UCH treatment.

Generation of wavelength- and orbital angular momentum-tunable extreme-ultraviolet vortex beams using a spiral phase mirror

To generate or manipulate the orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light, various optical elements, such as spiral phase plates, spatial light modulators, diffractive optical elements, and spiral phase mirrors (SPMs) have been used. In contrast to other optical components, the SPM depends only on the angle of incidence, which allows for the manipulation of the OAM values by simply rotating a single SPM or changing the angle of incidence of light. This study theoretically demonstrated the generation of high-quality vortex beams in the X-ray region (within a range of several tens of nanometers) beyond the existing visible and infrared regions using a SPM. Based on the geometry of grazing incidence, by rotating a single SPM, we obtained wavelength-tunable vortex beams with an identical OAM value of l = 1 in the 20–40 nm wavelength range and OAM-tunable vortex beams with various OAM values ranging from l = 3 to l = 5 at a 10 nm wavelength. Based on these characteristics, the tuning range of an SPM was discussed and the variation in the major radius of the elliptical beam formed on the SPM by grazing incidence was analyzed to realize SPM manufacturing. This novel optical technique holds great promise for enabling light-matter interactions at the nanometer scale, such as in the molecular or atomic regions, by implementing easily controllable wavelength- and OAM-tunable vortex beams based on a single SPM.

Nanoscale heterojunctions of InGaN/GaN photocathodes for electron sources

The design of the photocathode is crucial for generating high-quality electron beam in electron sources. In this study, InGaN/GaN heterojunction nanowire photocathodes were proposed, and the photoemission theoretical model was developed. The results demonstrate that the built-in electric field along the axis enables the heterojunction nanowire photocathode to achieve higher collection efficiency across the response spectrum compared to In0.5Ga0.5N nanowire photocathodes. The variation of incidence angle results in distinct peaks in quantum efficiency and collection efficiency for the heterojunction nanowire photocathode. Meanwhile, the “additional electric field” has the potential to decrease the number of laterally emitted electrons from the nanowires, consequently reducing the shielding effect of adjacent nanowires. With an incidence angle of 15° and an “additional electric field” of 2 V/μm, the collection efficiency of photoelectrons at the collection end can be maximized to 47.6 %. This indicates that the heterojunction nanowire array photocathode has potential for use in high-performance vacuum electron sources.

Beam physics studies for a high charge and high beam quality laser-plasma accelerator

Electron acceleration by laser-plasma techniques is approaching maturity and is getting ready for the construction of particle accelerators with dedicated applications. We present a general methodology showing how beam physics studies can be used to achieve a specific parameter set in a laser-plasma accelerator. Laser systems, plasma targets, and magnetic component properties are designed to optimize the electron beam so as to achieve the required performances. Beam physics in its full 6D phase space is studied from electron injection to beam delivery to the end user, through the plasma acceleration stage and transport line. As each beam parameter can only be modified by specific electric/magnetic field configurations, it is crucial to assign from the beginning specific roles to given accelerator sections in obtaining given beam parameters. These beam physics considerations were successfully applied to the design of a plasma-based electron injector for the AWAKE Run2 experiment. Electron beam parameters were calculated using a global simulation, achieving simultaneously unprecedented high charge (100 pC) and high quality (micrometric beam emittance and size). Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Emission surface improvement of In0.5Ga0.5N tilted nanowire array photocathode for vacuum electron sources

Photocathode has received increasing attention in scientific devices that require high-quality electron beams. A theoretical photoemission model for enhancing the performance of In0.5Ga0.5N tilted nanowire array photocathodes with negative electron affinity surface is proposed. Finite Element and finite difference methods are employed in simulation experiments to study the In0.5Ga0.5N tilted nanowire array photocathode. The results demonstrate that the photoelectric conversion performance of the In0.5Ga0.5N tilted nanowire array photocathode can be significantly enhanced through the combined impact of oblique incident light and an additional electric field. Specifically, when θ = 20°, β = −40°, and Eout = 4 V/μm, the total quantum efficiency and collection efficiency are 2.79 times and 4.27 times higher than compared to vertical nanowires without external assistance, respectively.

High-Repetition-Rate 2.3–2.7 µm Acousto-Optically Tuned Narrow-Line Laser System Comprising Two Master Oscillators and Power Amplifiers Based on Polycrystalline Cr2+:ZnSe with the 2.1 µm Ho3+:YAG Pulsed Pumping

High-average-power narrow-linewidth tunable solid-state lasers in the wavelength region between 2 and 3 μm are attractive light sources for many applications. This paper reports a narrow-linewidth widely tunable laser system based on the polycrystalline Cr2+:ZnSe elements pumped by repetitively pulsed 2.1 µm Ho3+:YAG laser operating at a pulse rate of tens of kilohertz. An advanced procedure of ZnSe element doping and surface improvement was applied to increase the laser-induced damage threshold, which resulted in an increase in the output power of the Cr2+:ZnSe laser system. The high-average-power laser system comprised double master oscillators and power amplifiers: Ho3+:YAG and Cr2+:ZnSe laser oscillators, and Ho3+:YAG and Cr2+:ZnSe power amplifiers. The output wavelength was widely tuned within 2.3–2.7 µm by means of an acousto-optical tunable filter inside a Cr2+:ZnSe master oscillator cavity. The narrow-linewidth operation at the pulse repetition rate of 20–40 kHz in a high-quality beam with an average output power of up to 9.7 W was demonstrated.

High-peak-power long-wave infrared BaGa4Se7 optical parametric oscillator with 6.7-13.9 µm widely tunable range.

A high-peak-power, widely tunable range long-wave infrared optical parametric oscillator (OPO) based on the BaGa4Se7 (BGSe) crystal is demonstrated in this Letter. Pumped by a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser, a high-peak-power of 0.15 MW was achieved at 9.8 µm with a pulse width of 5.0 ns. At 11.0 µm, a high beam quality of M2x = 4.1 and M2y = 3.3 was achieved. By rotating the BGSe crystal, a broad tuning range of 6.7-13.9 µm was realized. Furthermore, a theoretical analysis was conducted to elucidate the reasons behind the improvement in beam quality in the x-direction as the wavelength of the idler wave increases.

Laser myth busting

AbstractHigh‐power laser systems are routinely employed as production tools, but the laser beam itself is sensitive to various disturbances, especially in the light of current trends toward extreme power and high beam quality. Suitable tools are available to characterize the process‐relevant beam parameters – from power through focus dimensions to scanner‐imposed properties. Yet either the challenges or the measurement tools tend to be underestimated – justifying a closer look at some of the common myths.

Loss-tailoring single-mode high-power supersymmetric lasers.

Diode lasers with high beam quality and high power have many promising applications. However, high beam quality is always in conflict with high power. In this Letter, we theoretically and experimentally confirm the mode instability property of supersymmetric structures at higher operating currents. Meanwhile, we propose a loss-tailoring diode laser based on a supersymmetric structure, which enables the higher-order lateral modes to obtain higher losses, raises the excitation threshold of the higher-order lateral modes, and achieves a stable fundamental-lateral-mode output at higher current operation. The device obtained a quasi-single-lobe lateral far-field distribution with the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 7.58° at 350 mA under room temperature, which is a 65% reduction compared to the traditional Fabry-Perot (FP) diode lasers. Moreover, the M2 of 2.181@350 mA has an improvement of about 37% over traditional FP and supersymmetric structure lasers.

An adaptive integral sliding mode control strategy for medical linear accelerator vacuum system

Medical linear accelerators (MLAs) are critical components for radiation therapy, providing a state-of-the-art treatment platform for cancer therapy. The vacuum system is one of the most important MLA subsystems and its stable operation is necessary to generate high-quality beams. For vacuum system pressure control, traditional proportional-integral-derivative (PID) strategies have disadvantages such as inaccurate and imprecise control response due to its simple calculation. This paper presents an innovative adaptive integral sliding mode control (AISMC) strategy aimed at enhancing the response time, precision of control, and capability to reduce disturbances within the MLA vacuum system. In addition, a nonlinear MLA vacuum system mathematical model is established based on mechanism method. Stability of the developed vacuum control system is validated using Lyapunov stability theory. Simulation results illustrate that the proposed AISMC strategy has better response speed and accuracy than traditional PID-based systems, achieving better pressure tracking performance than traditional sliding mode control strategy with PID control. Most important for the proposed controller, system chattering is effectively mitigated.

High beam quality continuous-wave 320 nm UV laser from a walk-off compensated intracavity frequency-doubled Pr:YLF laser

We report a high beam quality continuous-wave (CW) 320 nm ultra-violet (UV) laser. An end-pumped praseodymium-doped yttrium lithium fluoride (Pr:YLF) laser is constructed in a typical V-shaped cavity structure, while the UV output is obtained through intracavity frequency doubling using LiB3O5 (LBO). We investigate the dependence of the UV output power, as well as the spot profile on the LBO length, and find that the “walk-off” within LBO severely affects both the frequency-doubling efficiency and the beam quality of the UV output. Rotated twin LBO crystals are then applied to substitute for single long LBO crystal to compensate the walk-off effect, resulting in high-power 320 nm output up to 410 mW under the absorbed pump power of 4.0 W at 444 nm, with a high beam quality of M x 2=1.02 and M y 2=1.04.

Simulations of a cryogenic, buffer-gas filled Paul trap for low-emittance ion bunches

Many experiments with pulsed ion beams benefit from or even require ion bunches with both small temporal width as well as small energy spread. To achieve optimal ion-beam preparation, a buffer-gas filled cryogenic Paul trap is being developed in the context of the Multi Ion Reflection Apparatus for Collinear Laser Spectroscopy (MIRACLS). There, ion bunches of short-lived radionuclides are trapped in a Multi-Reflection Time-of-Flight (MR-ToF) device. Thus, the ions can be repeatedly probed by a laser beam compared to only once in conventional, single-passage collinear laser spectroscopy. To fulfill MIRACLS’ opposing requirements of a small temporal ion-bunch width and small energy spread, a buffer-gas filled cryogenic Paul trap is envisioned. Ion-optical simulations confirm the advantages of cryogenic temperatures and the linear scaling of the beam emittance as a function of the buffer-gas temperature. Beyond MIRACLS, high-quality ion beams from a cryogenic Paul trap will be beneficial for other precision experiments at radioactive ion beam facilities.

Optimal collimation of proton beams accelerated by a Laguerre–Gaussian laser with a proper pulse duration

In this study, three-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations were conducted to evaluate a collimated proton beam accelerated by an intense Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) laser with different pulse durations. The flux and energy of the collimated proton beam could be simultaneously enhanced by selecting an optimal pulse duration. This phenomenon can be primarily attributed to the correlation between the LG laser driven self-generated magnetic field and pulse duration, and this correlation enables the collimation of protons during their interaction and transport. The results obtained in this study elucidate the formation mechanism of different collimated proton patterns, driven by femtosecond and picosecond LG lasers, observed in previous experiments. In addition, based on these results, an optimum pulse duration for high-quality proton beams is proposed for various future applications.