Abstract

Gradient-index (GRIN) lenses with spherical surfaces are able to yield the equivalent aspherical effects. A refractive system that consists of one plano-concave lens and one convex-piano lens using axial gradient-index materials has been designed to transform a Gaussian beam profile into a uniform intensity distribution. The GRIN distribution in the axial direction and the vertex curvatures of two spherical surfaces are determined by using the energy conservation condition and the condition of constant optical path length, which permits an exiting plane wave. The design and analysis of this gradient-index laser beam reshaping system will be presented and compared with a similar system¹ utilizing two aspherical lenses with normal index materials.

© 1992 Optical Society of America