Abstract

Numerical simulations of a multimode standing-wave cw dye laser have been carried out. The model used is based on third-order coupled-mode laser theory, which includes 31 modes, population oscillations, and spatial hole burning. Using realistic parameters for a three-mirror folded cavity laser, we find qualitative agreement with experiment. At low pump powers, the spectrum is comprised of three stable modes separated by 2 GHz. When the pump power is raised, the separation jumps to 4 GHz. When the power is raised further, we find that all 31 modes lase but that their amplitudes fluctuate wildly. The time scale of the fluctuations is found to decrease with increasing pump power.

© 1987 Optical Society of America