Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Error propagation in laser beam spatial parameters

  • Papers
  • Published:
Optical and Quantum Electronics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

We have performed a propagation-of-errors analysis on two methods used to determine the spatial parameters of a laser beam. We measured diameters of a diode laser beam focused by a 993 mm focal length lens. Measurement uncertainties of less than 1% can result in uncertainties greater than 200% in locating the beam waist of the laser. We compare the inherent uncertainties in the spatial parameters as obtained by the two methods. Longer focal length lenses and lens position can reduce this magnification of uncertainty, but would require large propagation distances.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. R. D.Jones andT. R.Scott,Proc. Soc. Photo-Opt. Instr. Engrs. 1834 (1993) 60.

    Google Scholar 

  2. D. WRIGHT, P. GREVE, J. FLEISCHER and L. AUSTIN,Opt. Quantum Electron. 24 (1992) S993. Copies of ISO document ISO/TC172/SC9 WG1 revision N38 are available from John Fleischer, Photon, Inc., 1115 Space Park Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95054, or from Dr K. Gindele, DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V., Aussenstelle Pforzheim, Westliche 56, D-7530 Pforzheim, Germany.

  3. J. R.Taylor,An Introduction to Error Analysis (University Science Books, Mill Valley, 1982) p. 40.

    Google Scholar 

  4. W. E.Webb,Appl. Opt. 17 (1978) 685.

    Google Scholar 

  5. A. E.Siegman, M. W.Sasnett andT. F.JohnstonJr,IEEE J. Quantum Electron. 27 (1991) 1098.

    Google Scholar 

  6. H.Kogelnik,Bell Syst. Tech. J. 44 (1965) 455.

    Google Scholar 

  7. P.-A.Bélanger,Opt. Lett. 16 (1991) 196.

    Google Scholar 

  8. A. E.Siegman andS. W.Townsend,IEEE J. Quantum Electron. 29 (1993) 1212.

    Google Scholar 

  9. K.-M. DU, G. HERZIGER, P. LOOSEN and F. RÜHL,Opt. Quantum Electron. 24 (1992) S1081.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Electromagnetic Technology Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 325 Broadway, 80303-3328, Boulder, CO, USA

    R. D. Jones & T. R. Scott

Authors
  1. R. D. Jones
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. T. R. Scott
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Jones, R.D., Scott, T.R. Error propagation in laser beam spatial parameters. Opt Quant Electron 26, 25–34 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00573898

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00573898

Keywords

Search

Navigation