A remote laser focusing system with spatial light modulator

Abstract This paper designs a remote laser focusing system (RLFS) based on spatial light modulator (SLM). In this system, the SLM serves as an active optical element that modulates the wavefront of the laser beam, causing variation in beam transmission. Theoretical analysis shows that a reflective SLM can compensate the residual aberrations at different operating distances, enabling the accurate focusing of targets without sacrificing the energy convergence. Based on optical design software, the geometrical parameters were optimized for the presented system through simulation. Finally, experimental demonstration and error analysis were carried out. The results show that the proposed RLFS-SLM is more stable and capable for controlling energy convergence than the traditional mechanical RLFS. Our system provides a desirable tool for high-energy laser applications.