Abstract

In a recent paper¹, a quantum theory of multiwave interactions with a two-level medium is presented. In this paper we apply this theory to sidemode instabilities pertinent to cavity con figurations in optical bistability and ring lasers. We assume the cavity to oscillate on a single mode, and we evaluate the gain and spontaneous emission at other frequencies. Because of the saturating presence of the strong, laser mode, two symmetrically situated sidemodes can grow together, inducing populations pulsations that influence the other sidemode. The instability must therefore be treated as a double sidemode problem.

© 1985 Optical Society of America