Modeling misalignment effects on pointing stability in laser resonators

Abstract In this paper, a comprehensive model was developed for analyzing the impact of optical misalignment in the presence of thermal lensing on pointing stability in laser resonators. An index was defined to estimate pointing stability during the design and simulation phases of stable laser resonators. This index was derived using transfer matrices and drew inspiration from the method for calculating misalignment sensitivity. However, unlike misalignment sensitivity which calculated the effect of optical element misalignment in the displacement of the mode axis on the active medium, this index focused on the impact of optical element misalignment in the mode axis displacement on the resonator’s output coupler. The examples presented demonstrated that this index could exhibit distinct behavior compared to misalignment sensitivity across various resonator configurations. In applications where laser pointing stability is essential, this model serves as a valuable tool for optimal design. It provides a quantitative framework for predicting pointing stability resulting from misalignment, facilitating the design and optimization of laser resonators. By quantifying permissible misalignment tolerances, this study contributes to the establishment of practical standards in laser system design. Ultimately, this research enhances high-precision laser applications in fields like beam steering, amplifier oscillators, and laser-based imaging, where maintaining pointing stability is critical.