Analytic evaluation of interference effects on laser output in a Fabry-Perot resonator

The effects of the forward- and backward-wave interference in a standing-wave resonator on laser output intensity are considered. In the paraxial- and plane-wave approximation and with boundary conditions appropriate for a Fabry-Perot resonator, the intensity equations are analytically solved. The variation of the output intensity with various parameters, such as the mirror reflection and absorption coefficients, small-signal gain, and atomic detuning, is considered, and the results are compared with those obtained when the interference effects are neglected. Considerable departure from the latter cause is found. Our results should find application in choosing optimum parameters in the design of a laser resonator.