Generation of dark hollow beam via coherent combination based on adaptive optics

A novel method for generating a dark hollow beam (DHB) is proposed and studied both theoretically and experimentally. A coherent combination technique for laser arrays is implemented based on adaptive optics (AO). A beam arraying structure and an active segmented mirror are designed and described. Piston errors are extracted by a zero-order interference detection system with the help of a custom-made photo-detectors array. An algorithm called the extremum approach is adopted to calculate feedback control signals. A dynamic piston error is imported by LiNbO3 to test the capability of the AO servo. In a closed loop the stable and clear DHB is obtained. The experimental results confirm the feasibility of the concept. (C)2010 Optical Society of America