Calculation of the symmetry of irradiation of a spherical target in multichannel laser systems

A study is made of the symmetry of irradiation of a spherical target in a laser system with a large number of output beams. A number of irradiation geometries, including those satisfying the condition of aperture noncoincidence, is considered. Computer calculations are reported of the target irradiance variants. It is shown that target irradiation inhomogeneity may reach ~1%. Calculations are carried out on the assumption of ideal optics and also allowing for small spherical aberrations.