Strålediameter

Strålediameter, also known as beam diameter, is a term used in optics and laser technology to describe the width of a beam of light or other electromagnetic radiation. It is typically defined as the distance between two points on the beam where the irradiance (power per unit area) has dropped to a specified fraction of the maximum irradiance at the beam's center. The most commonly used definition is the 1/e² diameter, where the irradiance has dropped to 1/e² (approximately 13.5%) of the maximum value. This definition is often used because it corresponds to the radius within which 86.5% of the beam's power is contained.

The strålediameter is an important parameter in various applications, including laser cutting, welding, and material processing, as well as in optical communications and imaging systems. It is influenced by factors such as the beam's wavelength, the size and shape of the aperture through which it passes, and the presence of any optical elements that may alter its profile.

In practice, the strålediameter can be measured using various techniques, including knife-edge scanning, beam profiling, and interferometry. These measurements are crucial for optimizing the performance of optical systems and ensuring that the beam's properties meet the required specifications for a given application.