Custom laser resonators using graded-phase mirrors

Author

Paré, C. ; Bélanger, Pierre-André

Author_Institution

Dept. de Phys., Laval Univ., Sainte-Foy, Que., Canada

Volume

28

Issue

1

fYear

1992

fDate

1/1/1992 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

355

Lastpage

362

Abstract

The authors derive a simple algorithm for designing a stable graded-phase-mirror resonator. First, the desired output beam profile of the fundamental mode is propagated into the laser medium. The wavefront is then extracted and serves to determine the appropriate phase profile of the mirror. The diffractional analysis of the resonator using this graded-phase mirror indicates a very low loss for the fundamental mode with a very large discrimination of higher modes. Practical design parameters such as the geometric factor, the Fresnel numbers, and phase profile perturbations are discussed. The authors conclude that this type of resonator can increase significantly the mode volume and favor the single-mode operation of laser systems relying on a stable resonator geometry

Keywords

laser accessories; laser cavity resonators; laser modes; laser theory; mirrors; optical design techniques; Fresnel numbers; design parameters; diffractional analysis; fundamental mode; geometric factor; laser medium; laser resonators; low loss; mode discrimination; mode volume; output beam profile; phase profile; phase profile perturbations; resonator design; single-mode operation; stable graded-phase-mirror resonator; stable resonator geometry; Algorithm design and analysis; Geometrical optics; Laser beams; Laser feedback; Laser modes; Laser stability; Mirrors; Optical feedback; Optical propagation; Optical resonators;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9197

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/3.119535

Filename

119535