Gaussian-beam profile shaping by acousto-optic Bragg-diffraction

Abstract

We study how Gaussian laser-beam profiles can be modified into a desired form using acousto-optic Bragg diffraction. By exploiting the angular dependence of Bragg diffraction of plane waves by acoustic gratings, we demonstrate that the conversion from a Gaussian-profile beam into either a near-field or a far-field flattop profile is possible.