Robust beam width estimation with sub-pixel resolution in uncontrolled imaging conditions

Abstract

Estimations of laser beam widths can yield vastly different results depending on the used beam width measurement method and the measurement conditions. We expand upon an imaging analysis method, proposed in the field of laser eye safety, to determine a laser’s beam width based on the ratio between encircled energy and diameter. We show this method to be highly valuable when determining beam widths in noisy imaging conditions and in the presence of background illumination. Furthermore, this method enables estimations with sub-pixel resolution on beam widths with a spatial extent of a few pixels.