![]() The ISO 11146 standard will be referenced here, as it provides an excellent starting place for definitions and test methods covering laser beam propagation. Each beam-quality metric has its advantages and disadvantages, and as a result the correct metric for an individual use case is highly application-dependent. This article will discuss beam propagation and quality factors, including the beam quality (M 2 )factor, beam parameter product (BPP), power in the bucket (PIB), and Strehl ratio, as well as which laser systems they are most suited for. How much they change will affect the brightness of the beam and its ability to be focused to a spot. From the near field to the far field, each of these values will change. In a single plane perpendicular to the propagation axis, a laser beam has a beam width, a radius, and a spatial intensity distribution. However, there are a few key parameters concerning the beam profile itself that provide some insight into the overall system performance, whether it is a Gaussian beam in metrology, or the higher-order modes often produced by a diode laser system or by high-power materials-processing lasers. Characterizing a laser system may seem like a daunting task, especially when just the laser source itself has many influencing factors, such as power stability, coherence, and wavelength, that govern which application it is most suitable for. ![]()
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March 2023
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