Abstract

The transverse modes of a laser resonator containing a medium with a strong radial gain profile differ greatly from the modes of a similar resonator containing a low gain medium. Focusing and defocusing effects result from the gain profile and from the associated dispersion profile. The dispersion focusing causes an asymmetry in the power output as the laser is tuned across the gain line. The theory has been verified using a high gain 3.51-μ xenon laser.

© 1972 Optical Society of America

Effects of Radiation Trapping on Mode Competition and Dispersion in the Ring Laser

Frederick Aronowitz
Appl. Opt. 11(10) 2146-2152 (1972)

Single-isotope Laser Gyro

Frederick Aronowitz
Appl. Opt. 11(2) 405-412 (1972)

Lamb dip asymmetry in lasers with plane-parallel resonators

J. P. Taché, A. Le Floch, and R. Le Naour
Appl. Opt. 25(17) 2934-3938 (1986)

Mode Selectivity and Mirror Misalignment Effects in Unstable Laser Resonators

Arthur N. Chester
Appl. Opt. 11(11) 2584-2590 (1972)

High Power Pulsed HCN Laser

L. E. Sharp and A. T. Wetherell
Appl. Opt. 11(8) 1737-1741 (1972)