Abstract

The geometrical optics theory of unstable resonators has recently been broadened to include nonuniform magnification.¹ An important possible application of such resonators is for lasers with nonuniform gain profiles. Here a simple saturable gain model is used to analyze the effect of nonuniform gain profiles on the geometric modes of unstable resonators including those with nonuniform magnification. Thus a comparison of the predicted performance of both uniform and nonuniform magnification resonators is made, such comparison serving as a guide in selecting the most advantageous resonator design for a given gain profile.

© 1985 Optical Society of America