Quasi-geometrical approach in laser diode optics problems

The background and idea of a quasi geometrical approach to laser beam propagation in real optical systems was presented. The criterion of laser optics quality based on the concept of M2 parameter was proposed and discussed. The appropriate software destined to evaluate laser beam propagation in real optical systems was developed. The scope of the presented work was focused on laser diode optics destined to end pumped solid state lasers. The results of computations were compared with results of intensity distribution measurements in the caustics regions for a few practically realized cases.