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New laser modelling method to optimise range-finding systems
CSIR scientists have applied a new method of modelling laser resonators which use Porro prisms in the place of traditional end mirrors and have characterised the beam structure which can be expected from these lasers. Such lasers are extensively used in range-finding systems.
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Atmospheric turbulence demonstrated
Laser beams travelling through the atmosphere suffer from turbulence, degrading the beam quality. This research, which was published in the South African Journal of Science, demonstrated atmospheric turbulence in the laboratory using a spatial light modulator. It made the front cover.
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Optical aberrations in a spinning pipe gas lens
The spinning pipe gas lens is a novel lens created in air by rotating a heated pipe. A state-of-the-art wavefront sensor was used to measure optical aberrations in the lens, and confirmed previously predicted behaviour of the lens. The research made the front page of the on-line journal Optics Express.
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Thermal fracture limits
A new time dependent analytical equation for the stresses in solid state laser crystals was derived, and resulted in new criteria for pumping solid-state lasers without thermally induced fracture of the crystal, which differs from previously held beliefs.
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A novel laser concept for the generation of Bessel beams
Bessel beams are a class of so-called non-diffracting laser beams, which means they can travel very long distances without distortion. In this paper a novel laser concept for the generation of Bessel beams inside lasers is proposed.
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