A Ray Analysis of Optical Resonators Formed by Two Spherical Mirrors

• DOI: 10.1364/ao.9.000385
• Publication Date: 2008-11-21T14:32:05Z
• Authors: I. A. Ramsay; J. J. Degnan
• Keywords: Curved mirror; Plane mirror

A paraxial resonance equation is derived. This gives the mirror separation as a function of radii curvature mirrors and an integer N which number return transits necessary to form closed path rays. Differentiating formula for relative mode density separation. It shown that output power from laser incorporating solid inversely proportional density. In case hole coupling, follows same general profile but dips in occur at separations corresponding configurations modes characterized by low values N. Further confirmation obtained passive resonators conic interference fringes sudden increases transmitted intensity are found predicted mode-degenerate configurations. The positions vertices ray traces correspond patterns discrete spots CO(2) Brewster angle windows germanium mirror. give maximum plotted cliff constant height above g(1)g(2) plane stability diagram, where g(1) g(2) configuration coordinates. merits all possible cavity having one common set equipower contours, hyperbolic curves also superimposed on diagram. advantages simplicity directness using model made clear.