Single-shot spectral measurements and mode correlations in a multimode pulsed dye laser

Statistical cross correlations between mode intensities in individual pulses from a multimode dye laser have been studied by using a Fizeau interferometer and a high-resolution linear photodiode array. It is found that positive intensity cross correlations develop between modes separated by certain characteristic frequencies. This appears to be a result of spatial hole burning in the standing-wave cavity. The gain competition between certain modes is minimized because of the spatial inhomogeneity of the mode intensity distributions in the gain medium.