Selective Generation of Laser Transverse Modes by Gain Regulation With a Digital Micromirror Device

The selective generation of laser transverse modes by gain regulation with a digital micromirror device (DMD) is presented in this letter. The gain regulation in laser medium is adjusted by the switch of the patterns loaded on DMD. Structured pump beam patterns can be obtained after the reflection of the loaded patterns on DMD, and then it’s defocused into a microchip laser medium by a short focal lens, so that the pump patterns can be transferred to the gain medium to regulate the gain distribution. Corresponding structured laser beams can be generated by this laser system. The laser beam pattern can be regulated easily and quickly, by switching the loaded patterns on DMD. Through this method, we show a simple and flexible laser system to generate on-demand laser beam patterns.