Single higher-order transverse mode operation of a radially polarized Nd:YAG laser using an annularly reflectivity-modulated photonic crystal coupler

We demonstrate single higher-order transverse mode operation of a radially polarized Nd:YAG laser by using a polarization-selective and reflectivity-modulated output coupler. A narrow annular region with low reflectivity fabricated in a photonic crystal mirror behaves so as to select a higher-order transverse mode of a cylindrically symmetric laser beam. A double-ring-shaped radially polarized TM(02) mode beam is stably generated.