Infared holographic optical elements with applications to laser material processing

Reflective holographic elements replayed at the 10.6 μm wavelength of the CO2laser can generate wavefronts that cannot be obtained using conventional optical elements. One proposed application is to use the projected holographic real image for laser materials processing, such as cutting or soldering. Three methods are discussed for producing the required holograms: computer generation, direct recording at 10.6 μm, and indirect recording in the visible. Results are presented on image intensity roll-off and aberrations introduced in image reconstruction.