Abstract

We show that aperiodic coupled cavities may be designed to have a frequency-dependent complex reflectance that is anisotropic in phase (birefringent) and in amplitude (dichroic). The complex mean or average reflectivity may also be frequency dependent. As an illustration we show how such multicavity effects influence the stability of the polarization of light in quasi-isotropic lasers. Possible applications of the properties of aperiodic coupled cavities are suggested.

© 1994 Optical Society of America

Principles of an intracavity polarimeter for measuring small optical anisotropies with an application to diffractive dichroism

K. Ait-Ameur, G. Stéphan, P. Paddon, and A. D. May
Appl. Opt. 33(3) 334-343 (1994)

Stability of polarized modes in a quasi-isotropic laser

A. D. May and G. Stephan
J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 6(12) 2355-2362 (1989)

Polarization modes in a quasi-isotropic laser: a general anisotropy model with applications

P. Paddon, E. Sjerve, A. D. May, M. Bourouis, and G. Stéphan
J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 9(4) 574-589 (1992)

Coupling of orthogonal polarization states in a nonlinear birefringent cavity

Kwongchoi Caisy Ho and Guy Indebetouw
Appl. Opt. 29(2) 206-209 (1990)

Stability of polarized modes in a quasi-isotropic laser: experimental confirmation

W. Xiong, P. Glanznig, P. Paddon, A. D. May, M. Bourouis, S. Laniepce, and G. Stéphan
J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 8(6) 1236-1243 (1991)