Beyond the IFTA – Phase mask generation for 3D laser beam shaping, tailored temperature distributions and optical amplifiers

The iterative Fourier transform algorithm (IFTA) is the most widely used algorithm for the generation of phase masks for laser beam shaping in the field of laser material processing. But its simplicity and efficiency also come with heavy limitations. We here present an overview of our research into application adapted laser beam shaping beyond the capabilities of traditional phase retrieval algorithms for beam shaping. The presented algorithms enable, among others, the explicit optimization of phase masks for the generation of target light volumes and for tailored temperature distributions within a work piece. Furthermore, we demonstrate the consideration and pre-compensation of non-linear effects in an optical amplifier for laser beam shaping with subsequent amplification.