Incoherent beam combining of laser array on extended areas based on a gradient light intensity trap and optimization algorithm

This paper proposes a method for incoherent beam combining on extended areas (or extended targets) based on a gradient light intensity trap, which is effectively created through intensity weighted modulation, and with the help of a proper optimization algorithm, light spots will be guided into this trap to achieve beam combination. A physical model of this method is established, which determines the optimal surface profile of the gradient light intensity trap, thereby aiding in achieving ideal results for multi-channel beams in both modulation and non-modulation. Subsequently, the feasibility of the method is verified in the laboratory, where tip/tilt aberrations are corrected by adaptive fiber-optics collimators during the beam-combining process. This study provides what we believe to be a new approach to the problems of beam pointing and combining on an extended area (or extended target).