Orthogonality properties of phase conjugate optical resonators
Abstract
It is shown that in a phase conjugate mirror (PCM) resonator, under very general conditions, the eigenmodes propagating in one direction are orthogonal to those propagating in the opposite direction over any plane that is perpendicular to the optic axis of the resonator. Although the eigenvalues are generally complex numbers, they become real through proper choice of the phases of the eigenfunctions. This reflects the actual physical condition that the PCM laser, assuming phase conjugation by means of degenerate four-wave mixing, will always oscillate at the pump frequency of the PCM independently of the composition of the optical elements inside the cavity.
- Publication:
-
Applied Optics
- Pub Date:
- March 1982
- DOI:
- 10.1364/AO.21.001122
- Bibcode:
- 1982ApOpt..21.1122H
- Keywords:
-
- Eigenvalues;
- Laser Cavities;
- Laser Stability;
- Optical Resonators;
- Orthogonality;
- Phase Conjugation;
- Complex Numbers;
- Eigenvectors;
- Field Mode Theory;
- Frequency Stability;
- Optical Correction Procedure;
- Propagation Modes;
- Lasers and Masers;
- PHASE CONJUGATION;
- RESONATORS