Flat-top and doughnut-like laser beam profiles: an overview of the modified algorithm for converting the arbitrary shaped beam using phase only spatial light modulator

Laser beam shaping problem remains relevant for various applications of modern laser physics – from laser cutting of metals to wireless long-distance energy transmission. For example, the transformation of the original Gaussian profile into flat-top profile is necessary to improve the technology (material processing, holograms recording) while the doughnut-like profile ensures uniform temperature distribution on a target and increases the stability of various thermal processes, such as melting. To solve this problem the automated adaptive optical system with phase-only special light modulator and intensity analyzer are assembled and tested. The experimental results of the flat-top and doughnut-like intensity distributions formation are presented. We were able to concentrate ~60% and 75% of the initial beam energy for the doughnut-like and flat-top intensity distributions, correspondingly.