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link to gaussian to tophat converter; mention of propagation diffraction, added citation to Flat-top beam
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In [[optics]], a '''tophat''' (or '''top-hat''') '''beam''' such as a [[laser beam]] or electron beam has a near-uniform [[fluence]] (energy density) within a circular disk. It is typically formed by [[diffractive optical element]] |
In [[optics]], a '''tophat''' (also '''Flat-top'''<ref>Rüdiger Paschotta, [https://www.rp-photonics.com/flat_top_beams.html Flat-top Beams], DOI: https://doi.org/10.61835/6ku . Retrieved 5 March 2024.</ref> or '''top-hat''') '''beam''' such as a [[laser beam]] or electron beam has a near-uniform [[fluence]] (energy density) within a circular disk. It is typically formed by [[lens|refractive]]<ref>Nam-Hyong Kim and Alissa Wilczynski (March 31, 2021). [https://support.zemax.com/hc/en-us/articles/1500005489161-How-to-design-a-Gaussian-to-Top-Hat-beam-shaper How to design a Gaussian to Top Hat beam shaper]. Retrieved 5 March 2024.</ref>or [[diffractive optical element|diffractive]] optical elements from a [[Gaussian beam]]. Tophat beams are often used in industry, for example for [[laser drilling]] of holes in [[printed circuit board]]s. They are also used in very high power laser systems, which use chains of [[optical amplifier]]s to produce an intense beam. Tophat beams are named for their resemblance to the shape of a [[top hat]]. |
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Due to [[diffraction]], a beam cannot maintain a sharp-edged tophat cross-section for more than a short length of propagation, and the edges of the distribution will become increasingly fuzzy as the beam propagates forward. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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Inoptics, a tophat (also Flat-top[1]ortop-hat) beam such as a laser beam or electron beam has a near-uniform fluence (energy density) within a circular disk. It is typically formed by refractive[2]ordiffractive optical elements from a Gaussian beam. Tophat beams are often used in industry, for example for laser drilling of holes in printed circuit boards. They are also used in very high power laser systems, which use chains of optical amplifiers to produce an intense beam. Tophat beams are named for their resemblance to the shape of a top hat.
Due to diffraction, a beam cannot maintain a sharp-edged tophat cross-section for more than a short length of propagation, and the edges of the distribution will become increasingly fuzzy as the beam propagates forward.
