Abstract

In an attempt to explain the instability observed by Hillman et al.,¹ we have analyzed the domain of parameters in which their dye laser operates. This leads to the consideration of an asymptotic limit for which the slowly varying envelope approximation no longer holds. As a result, the electric field equation must retain its second-order space and time derivatives. This opens new possibilities for the steady states and their stability properties, (i) Even in the case of perfect matching between atomic and cavity frequencies, the laser operating frequency is displaced from the cavity resonance, (ii) The single-mode stable steady state is not necessarily the mode whose frequency is nearest to the atomic transition, (iii) Instability of the steady state can occur without restriction on the laser cavity quality.

© 1989 Optical Society of America