Fabrication of asymmetric laser beam shaping elements

The beam profile of edge emitting lasers is typically Gaussian with a strong astigmatic beam ratio. For many applications, this beam profile is very undesirable. Consequently a close to lossless conversion from elliptical Gaussian to symmetric flat top profile is very attractive. Conventional 1D-design methods, however, are not able to solve this problem. We have recently presented a new design algorithm for this conversion and now report on first fabrication samples. The surfaces were realised by high precision milling of the metal masters. By mold injection, the components were then fabricated in ZEONEX polymer. First results of the characterisation are reported.