Abstract: An optical element includes a first surface and an opposed second surface. A refractive index of the optical element varies from a center of the optical element to a perimeter of the optical element such that the optical element is configured to convert a Gaussian input beam introduced to the first surface into an output beam from the second surface with a substantially flat irradiance profile along at least one axis. The optical element can have a refractive index that varies along an axis perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical element and has a profile that is concave up at a center of the optical element.

Abstract: The invention relates to process for manufacturing infrared optical lenses that will transmit in multiple infrared bands, for example, lenses with multiple optical elements such as doublet and triplet lenses (i.e., achromatic, apochromatic, and superachromatic optical elements). The lens materials are selected on the basis of dispersion ratios and/or minimum dispersions and minimum dispersion wavelengths as defined herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Nd-doped, aluminate-based or silicate-based, laser glass having a peak emission wavelength that is longer than 1059.7 nm, an emission cross section (?em) of ?1.5×10?20 cm2, and/or an emission bandwidth (??eff) of ?28 nm, while maintaining properties that render the glass suitable for commercial use, such as low glass transition temperature Tg and low nonlinear index, n2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Nd-doped (and/or Yb-doped and/or Er-doped) phosphate laser glass having a peak emission wavelength that is shorter than 1054 nm. Cerium oxide (CeO2) is incorporated into a phosphate glass host system, preferably in replacement of lanthanum oxide, to shift the peak emission wavelength to a wavelength shorter than 1054 nm. The invention further relates to a laser system using mixed-glass arrangement and phase compensation, wherein one of the glasses of the mixed glass system is an Nd-doped (and/or Yb-doped and/or Er-doped) phosphate laser glass having a peak emission wavelength that is shorter than 1054 nm, and a method of generating a laser beam pulse using such a laser system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Nd-doped, aluminate-based or silicate-based, laser glass having a peak emission wavelength that is longer than 1059.7 nm, an emission cross section (?em) of ?1.5×10?20 cm2, and/or an emission bandwidth (??eff) of ?28 nm, while maintaining properties that render the glass suitable for commercial use, such as low glass transition temperature Tg and low nonlinear index, n2.

Abstract: The invention relates to glasses for use in solid laser applications, particularly short-pulsed, high peak power laser applications. In particular, the invention relates to a method for broadening the emission bandwidth of rare earth ions used as lasing ions in solid laser glass mediums, especially phosphate-based glass compositions, using Nd and Yb as co-dopants. The invention further relates to a laser system using a Nd-doped and Yb-doped phosphate laser glass, and a method of generating a laser beam pulse using such a laser system.