TEM00

TEM00, also known as the fundamental transverse electromagnetic mode, is a specific spatial mode of laser light that is characterized by its simple, symmetric intensity distribution. It is the lowest-order mode in the transverse mode hierarchy and is often referred to as the fundamental mode. The TEM00 mode displays a Gaussian beam profile, with maximum intensity at the center and decreasing radially outward, resulting in a smooth, bell-shaped distribution.

This mode is highly significant in laser physics because of its optimal beam quality and coherence properties. TEM00 beams have minimal divergence and a well-defined phase front, making them ideal for applications requiring precise focusing and high beam quality, such as in scientific research, laser cutting, and medical procedures.

In laser cavities, the TEM00 mode is typically favored because it provides the most efficient and stable propagation. Achieving a dominant TEM00 mode often involves the use of mode-selecting elements like apertures or specialized resonator designs that suppress higher-order modes. The presence of TEM00 is an indicator of a high-quality laser output, exhibiting low divergence and high spatial coherence.

During laser operation, mode competition often favors the TEM00 mode under suitable conditions. Its characteristics have been extensively studied, and it is a fundamental concept in the development and application of laser technology, serving as the basis for more complex mode structures and beam shaping techniques.