Optics of Gaussian Beams

Abstract

In most textbooks on optics generally plane waves and their transformation by optical elements are treated. Since the fundamental modes in the laser output have a Gaussian beam profile (see Sect. 5.2), some knowledge about imaging and focusing of Gaussian beams are important for proper applications of laser beams. Although a nearly parallel laser beam is in many aspects similar to a plane wave, it shows several features that are different but that are important when laser beams are imaged by optical elements.

In this chapter we will discuss the basic characteristics of Gaussian beams and their transformation by optical elements such as lenses, mirrors, prisms and optical gratings. The following presentation follows that of the recommendable review by Kogelnik and Li [314].