Novel large mode volume resonator
Abstract
A resonator in which the dominant mode-shaping effect is diffraction from an undersized aperture is reported. The result is a large mode volume and a near diffraction-limited Gaussian output beam. The alignment sensitivity is similar to that of a positive branch unstable resonator, although the mirror configuration can vary over a large range in either the geometrically stable or unstable regimes. A pulsed Nd:YAG laser using this resonator was built and characterized in the free-running, Q-switching, and mode-locking regimes, and as a regenerative amplifier.
- Publication:
-
IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics
- Pub Date:
- May 1991
- DOI:
- 10.1109/3.83383
- Bibcode:
- 1991IJQE...27.1242P
- Keywords:
-
- Laser Mode Locking;
- Neodymium Lasers;
- Optical Resonators;
- Pulsed Lasers;
- Q Switched Lasers;
- Yag Lasers;
- Electromagnetic Pulses;
- Laser Cavities;
- Plane Waves;
- Lasers and Masers