Sample interview questions: What are the main factors that contribute to laser beam divergence and how can they be minimized?
Sample answer:
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Refractive index non-uniformities: Variations in the refractive index of the gain medium can cause the beam to diverge. These non-uniformities can be caused by thermal effects, mechanical stress, or material defects. Minimizing these non-uniformities can be achieved by using high-quality optical materials, controlling the temperature of the gain medium, and avoiding mechanical stress.
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Diffraction: Diffraction is the spreading of a beam of light as it passes through an aperture. The amount of diffraction is determined by the wavelength of light and the size of the aperture. Minimizing diffraction can be achieved by using a larger aperture or by using a shorter wavelength of light.
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Aberrations: Aberrations are imperfections in the optical system that can cause the beam to diverge. Aberrations can be caused by imperfections in the lenses, mirrors, or other optical components. Minimizing aberra… Read full answer