Intra-Cavity Astigmatic Mode Converting VECSEL

We report the design and demonstration of a vertical external cavity surface emitting laser with intra-cavity astigmatic mode converters. Using a flexible optical pumping scheme Hermite-Gaussian transverse modes were excited at the gain chip and end mirror, and Laguerre-Gaussian transverse modes were observed between the two astigmatic mode converters. Adjusting the flexible pumping scheme allowed for mode order tuning while the laser was operating.