how does a diffraction grating change divergence?

• Sep 8, 2011

• #1

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miseaujeu

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I just recently purchased a ~5mW laser from sparkfun.com and am looking at the Transmission Matrix Diffraction Grating from dragonlasers. What I would like to know is how the diffraction grating will affect the beam divergence. Would it increase, decrease or ( in theory ) remain the same?

Thanks

 

• Sep 8, 2011

• #2

Cyparagon

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It will be the same.

 

• Sep 8, 2011

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miseaujeu

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Thank you for the quick reply.

So if the divergence will stay the same, will the 5mW output be divided among the number of points created by the diffraction grating?

Is there a way to calculate the reduction in beam intensity/intensities?

 

Last edited: Sep 8, 2011

• Sep 8, 2011

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Misanthrop

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No its 5 mw all the time. i think.

 

• Sep 9, 2011

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Cyparagon

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miseaujeu said:

will the 5mW output be divided among the number of points created by the diffraction grating?

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Yes - and some power will be lost in the grating (maybe 5-30%)

miseaujeu said:

Is there a way to calculate the reduction in beam intensity/intensities?

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Probably, but it really depends on what grating you use.