Laser & Optoelectronics Progress, Volume. 51, Issue 12, 121402(2014)
Coherent Beam Combination Based on Array of Liquid Crystal Optical Phased Arrays
Combing the theory of coherent beam combination (CBC) and the technology of beam steering by liquid crystal optical phased array (LCOPA), a method of CBC based on array of LCOPA array is proposed in this article. On the basis of explaining this kind of CBC theory, combined beam is researched from three aspects: beam direction, intensity and beam quality. Analysis results indicate that the reason for error of beam direction is the discontinuity of maximum points of array interference factor. Based on the results a measure to induce error by adding array space is adopted. Then some special beam directions at which the peak intensity matches theoretical value are screened, which are the coincident points of maximum values of electrode interference factor and array interference factor. Furthermore, numerical simulation indicates that this CBC method makes a certain contribution on improving beam quality. Finally, experiments of CBC based on 1 × 3 and 2 × 2 array of LCOPA are carried on and combined beams with beam directions of 0° 、0.17° 、0.34° are obtained. This experiment proves the validity of theory analysis and the feasibility of CBC based on array of LCOPA.
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Yang Zhenming, Kong Lingjiang, Xiao Feng, Chen Jian. Coherent Beam Combination Based on Array of Liquid Crystal Optical Phased Arrays[J]. Laser & Optoelectronics Progress, 2014, 51(12): 121402
Category: Lasers and Laser Optics
Received: Jun. 17, 2014
Accepted: --
Published Online: Nov. 26, 2014
The Author Email: Zhenming Yang (herosca@163.com)