Patent ID: 7088745
Filing Date: 2006-08-08
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
1. A laser system for an image setter, comprising: a laser diode adapted to emit a first light beam, the first light beam having a spatial intensity distribution comprising a plurality of spatial modes wherein each spatial mode has a mode number assigned to it, and wherein each spatial mode has a twin-lobed intensity distribution including a first and a second lobe, selection means adapted to select a first lobe of at least one of the twin-lobed intensity distribution; a reflector the laser diode and the reflector defining a cavity and the reflector being adapted to reflect the selected first lobe back into the laser diode as a second light beam, thereby providing the second lobe of the at least one twin-lobed intensity distribution as an output beam; the selection means being adapted to select the first lobe corresponding to a spatial mode having a higher mode number greater than a spatial mode with maximum gain; and wherein the selection means is adapted to select a spatial mode which is substantially not present in the first light beam when the laser diode is operated without the reflector.