Generation of Hermite–Gaussian modes of high-power femtosecond laser radiation using binary-phase diffractive optical elements

We present the results of experiments on generation of Hermite–Gaussian modes up to the third order inclusive using binary-phase diffractive optical elements (DOEs) illuminated by subterawatt femtosecond laser pulses. We perform a compariosn of the mode formation using DOEs designed by the kinoform method and the fractional coding technique, when the DOEs are illuminated by both femtosecond radiation and cw laser radiation at close wavelengths.