Waveform of the amplitude modulated laser light by means of a mechanical chopper

The model which reproduces accurately and conveniently the waveform of the amplitude modulated cw laser light in the TEM₀₀ mode by a mechanical chopper is developed. It is found that its predictions are in good agreement with the strict, completely accurate but rather lengthy and inconvenient treatment and with the experiment. The criterion for the efficient amplitude modulation of the laser light by a mechanical chopper is formulated.