Laser beam shaping in space using adaptive optics

Using analytical calculations and wave-optic code simulations, we study the problem of shaping the spatial distribution of laser beam intensity in the far field by varying the near-field phase. We discuss possibilities of using adaptive-optic devices to form the near-field phase distribution to reach the desirable far-field intensity profile. As an example, we show how a doughnut-like far-field intensity could be achieved by introducing a specific phase aberration into the laser beam through a deformable mirror. Diffraction limitations on the far-field beam shaping are estimated.