Properties of the transverse eigenmode set in optical resonators with apertures

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A method for numerical analysis of the eigenmode set of an optical resonator containing elements (e.g., apertures) with a nonnegligible diffraction effect is presented. With a simple example it is shown that the presence of such elements may lead to quite complicated dependence of modal losses, frequencies, and patterns on the cavity configuration. An increase in losses as the intracavity aperture decreases in size may be nonmonotonic, and modal frequencies may exhibit shifts up to several percent of the free spectral range (the frequency interval between consecutive longitudinal modes) and quick transitions or jumps across several tens of percent of the free spectral range. These properties of empty resonator modes might help to clarify the complexity of dynamics occurring in some experimental devices such as self-mode-locked lasers.