Combination of multi-beam in the rectangular slabs discharge CO2 laser array

The rectangular slabs discharge CO2 laser array is described and the resonator parameters are given. The far field properties of the multi-beams exported from the laser array are studied quantitatively based on the Collins formula and the coordinate transformations. The numerical calculations indicate that the beams will superpose when the distance is very small (about several mm) between each other. The main parameters which influence the beam combination are given. Three methods are used for evaluating the beam quality of the output beam, such as, combination efficiency (CE), M2 factor and power in the bucket (PIB). It is shown that the research results are valuable for the laser industrial processing.

► The rectangular slabs discharge CO2 laser array is described.
► The analytical expression has been given by the Collins formula.
► Properties of multi-beam through a paraxial ABCD optical system have been studied.