Acousto-optofluidics for laser writing with parallelized Gaussian, Bessel, and annular beams

Description

Bessel and annular laser beams offer intriguing possibilities for material processing. However, current beam shaping methods can be limited in tunability, speed, or parallelization possibilities. Here, we show how ultrasounds in liquids enable generating user-selectable arrays of Gaussian, Bessel-like, or annular beams. By cascading two liquid-filled acoustic cavities, each with a different geometry, light control can be achieved at microsecond time scales. Such an acousto-optic technology is easy to implement in current laser-direct writing workstations, providing an unprecedented ability to tune light fields based on application.

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