Roof prism output coupler for gigawatt laser pulses

Abstract

An output laser reflector is described which is remarkably damage resistant due to the use of a titled total reflexion roof prism. The reflectance of this reflector can be continuously varied by turning the prism about its edge. It has been used for mode-locked pulses of several gigawatts without any damage. Since the reflectivity is independent of the wavelength, it can be used for different types of lasers.