Lasers have Gaussian-shaped beam profiles; this is often hindering in material processing. Diffractive optical elements are used to convert them into a uniform beam profile. Tophats are usually requested for this purpose; however, we generally recommend using Vortex DOEs.
Vortex DOEs produce a donut-shaped beam profile from a TEM00 laser beam. The “intensity hole” created causes the outside edges to become steeper; this is particularly advantageous in welding, cutting, and drilling because the intensity in the beam center only contributes marginally to the process.
Vortex DOEs are flexible and easy to use. Unlike tophats, they can be used at any beam diameter and working distance. In addition, the Vortex elements are not sensitive to adjustment; that is to say, it is only necessary to hold the lateral position.
