Asymmetric unstable traveling-wave resonators

Experimental data pertaining to the intracavity propagation characteristics, the mode volume dissimilarity, and the fractional output coupling Characteristics associated with the oppositely traveling waves in CO2asymmetric unstable ring resonators are reported. Equivalence relations are derived, extending Siegman´s unstable resonator analysis to encompass asymmetric traveling-wave geometries. Optical feedback techniques to suppress the oscillation associated with one of the traveling waves are demonstrated to be an effective means of achieving unidirectional ring laser operation.