Important Notice: Our web hosting provider recently started charging us for additional visits, which was unexpected. In response, we're seeking donations. Depending on the situation, we may explore different monetization options for our Community and Expert Contributors. It's crucial to provide more returns for their expertise and offer more Expert Validated Answers or AI Validated Answers. Learn more about our hosting issue here.

What is M-Square (M2)?

April 26, 2017M-Square m2

0

Posted

What is M-Square (M2)?

1 Answer

0

Posted

This may also be called M Squared, M2, M2, etc. In a nutshell, it is a measure of the actual beam compared to the best possible beam. An M-Squared value of 1 would have a perfect Gaussian profile. Well designed TEM00 HeNe lasers come very close. For more than you could ever possibly want to know, see: • Professor Anthony E. Siegman’s Recent Publications and Reference Lists as well as his book: Lasers Anthony E. Siegman University Science Books, May 1986 ISBN: 0-935-70211-3 and some additional information from Professor Siegman: • Laser Beam Quality Seminar (Slide presentation) • Laser Beam Quality Tutorial (Paper) • Laser Diode Beam Quality Measurements (Slide presentation) • Physics and Technology of Laser Resonators D. Hall and P. Jackson (Editors) Adam Hilger, 1989 ISBN: 0-852-74117-0 (From: Do-Kyeong Ko (dkko@nanum.kaeri.re.kr).) M-square is derived from the uncertainty principle and is the product of a beam’s minimum diameter and divergence angle.