Dynamic phase masks for focal spot optimization and shaping of cw and high-power laser beams

Summary form only given.In the last few years, many solutions have been implemented to correct the wavefront of intense laser beams. Most of them use an adaptive mirror to achieve this correction. At LULI, we have developed in collaboration with Thomson-CSF a liquid-crystal optically addressed electro-optical valve (OAEOV) approach to induce phase shifts onto the beam. Coupled with an achromatic three-wave lateral shearing interferometer (ATWLSI), it provides an improved correction due to its high resolution. We managed to correct the wavefront of our 100-TW Nd:glass laser down to the fluctuation level.