High-power thin-disk lasers emitting beams with axially-symmetric polarizations

We present the intracavity generation of beams with radial polarization at an average output power of 750 W and an optical efficiency of 43% from a continuous wave thin-disk laser. Circular grating waveguide output couplers (GWOC) were used to select the radial polarization. The sensitivity of the polarizing function of the GWOC with regards to the fabrication tolerances is also analysed in details with a particular emphasis on the effect of the duty cycle and the geometrical profile of the gratings. Furthermore, we present the conversion of femtosecond laser pulses from linear to azimuthal polarization using a nanograting-based polarization converter. Azimuthally polarized beams with an average power of up to 850 W, a pulse duration of 400 fs and a pulse repetition rate of 1 MHz were generated in this way with a conversion efficiency of >90%.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the intracavity generation of beams with radial polarization using circular grating waveguide output couplers and the conversion of femtosecond laser pulses from linear to azimuthal polarization using a nanograting-based polarization converter. The optimization of the duty cycle and geometrical profile of the gratings can enhance the stability and performance of the polarization function.