Abstract
Generalized Phase Contrast (GPC) is an efficient method for generating speckle-free contiguous optical distributions useful in diverse applications such as static beam shaping, optical manipulation and recently, for excitation in two-photon optogenetics. To fully utilize typical Gaussian lasers in such applications, we analytically derive conditions for photon efficient light shaping with GPC. When combined with the conditions for optimal contrast developed in previous works, our analysis further simplifies GPCx2019;s implementation. The results of our analysis are applied to practical illumination shapes, such as a circle and different rectangles commonly used in industrial or commercial applications. We also show simple and efficient beam shaping of arbitrary shapes geared towards biophotonics research and other contemporary applications. Optimized GPC configurations consistently give ~84% efficiency and ~3x intensity gain. Assessment of the energy savings when comparing to conventional amplitude masking show that ~93% of typical energy losses are saved with optimized GPC configurations.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Optics Express |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| Pages (from-to) | 5299-5311 |
| ISSN | 1094-4087 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2014 |
Bibliographical note
This paper was published in Optics Express and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of OSA. The paper can be found at the following URL on the OSA website: http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/abstract.cfm?uri=oe-22-5-5299. Systematic or multiple reproduction or distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.Keywords
- Fourier optics and signal processing
- Spatial filtering
- Phase modulation
- Laser beam shaping