In high power laser systems, the non-uniformity of the laser irradiation is a well known issue. In order to address it, one needs to reduce the contrast of speckle patterns on the target via either a random phase smoothing or spectral dispersion smoothing or polarization smoothing. Since the successful demonstration of net energy gain in inertial confinement fusion system [3], the need for low-loss efficient beam smoothers has been given another strong push.

By utilizing the unique Sphotonix femtosecond laser writing technology that enables the fabrication of quartz plates with spatially varying birefrengence, we provide low-loss highly efficient polarization smoothers. Our smoothers are proven solutions for suppressing the contrast of speckle patterns in laser beams and achieving high quality beam profiles in high power lasers applications including inertial confinement fusion systems. SPhotonix polarization smoothers have a very similar damage threshold to that of the fused silica glass, which makes them excellent candidates for high power laser applications.