Laser beam classification
- Received Date: 2003-01-23
- Accepted Date: 2003-02-20
- Available Online: 2003-09-25
Abstract: The laser beam classification,a very interesting subject in laser optics,is reviewed and analyzed. Based on the second order moment method and Wigner distribution function,and in accordance with their spatial symmetry,laser beams can be classified as three types,i.e. stigmatic (ST) beams,simple astigmatic (SA) beams and general astigmatic (GA) beams. On the other hand,according to their spatial coherence,there are two types of laser beams,namely,partially coherent beams and fully coherent beams. The independent characteristic parameters of different types of laser beams and their relation are analyzed.