Nonlinear combining of laser beams

We propose to combine multiple laser beams into a single diffraction-limited beam by beam self-focusing ( collapse) in a Kerr medium. Beams with total power above critical are first combined in the near field and then propagated in the optical fiber/waveguide with Kerr nonlinearity. Random fluctuations during propagation eventually trigger a strong self-focusing event and produce a diffraction-limited beam carrying the critical power. (C) 2014 Optical Society of America