Generalization of the Ronchi, sinusoidal, and triangular rulings for Gaussian-laser-beam-diameter measurements

Diffraction of Gaussian beams by periodic and aperiodic rulings

The diffraction of Gaussian beams by periodic and aperiodic rulings is considered. The theory of diffraction is based on the Rayleigh-Sommerfeld integral equation with Dirichlet conditions. The transmitted power and the normally diffracted energy are analyzed as a function of the beam radius. Two methods to determine the Gaussian beam radius by means of periodic and aperiodic lamellar gratings are proposed. One is based on the maximum and the minimum transmitted power, and the other one considers the normally diffracted energy. Small and large Gaussian beam radii can be treated with these two methods.