Intracavity control of solid-state lasers using MEMS micromirrors

Abstract

Active control of key laser output beam parameters, such as optical power and transverse intensity profile, of a continuous-wave (CW) Nd:YAG laser is reported. This was achieved by accurately controlling the surface profile of an intracavity MEMS micromirror through active control of its substrate temperature. An output power variation (>20%) and a significant modification of the transverse mode profile could be observed for a temperature variation of ~35 °C.