Abstract

It is well known that the addition of intracavity birefringence elements in solid-state laser resonators can lead to significant modification of the mode characteristics when thermal birefringence in the laser rod is significant. We have developed a theoretical model of the birefringent laser to analyze this class of problems and have used it to derive the spatial and polarization properties of a cw-pumped Nd:YAG laser operating with intracavity birefringent elements for frequency doubling. In particular, the effects of a type II SHG crystal (KTP) and a fundamental quarterwave plate in a configuration described previously have been studied and compared with the experimental results.

© 1986 Optical Society of America