Formation of non-Gaussian light beams in a laser with an exit mirror characterized by a smooth amplitude inhomogeneity

A method suggested for the formation of non-Gaussian laser beams is based on the use of a multilayer dielectric exit mirror with its transmission dependent smoothly on the coordinates. A technique for the fabrication of such mirrors by "half-shadow" evaporation in vacuum is described. Fabrication of mirrors with a transmission minimum on the laser resonator axis is reported. Various intensity distributions (including one which is nearly uniform) are obtained. It is shown that for mirrors of this kind the TEM₀₁ mode is loaded more strongly than the TEM₀₀ mode, which ensures a higher mode stability than in the case of a laser with homogeneous mirrors.