Fractal structure of eigenmodes of unstable-cavity lasers
- 15 December 1998
- journal article
- Published by Optica Publishing Group in Optics Letters
- Vol. 23 (24) , 1909-1911
- https://doi.org/10.1364/ol.23.001909
Abstract
We show that the eigenmodes of unstable-cavity lasers have fractal structure, in contrast with the well-known stable-cavity eigenmodes. As with all fractals, the dynamic range over which self-similarity holds is limited; in this case the range is set by diffraction, i.e., by the Fresnel number of the resonator. We determine the fractal dimension of the mode profiles and show that it is related to the aperture shape.Keywords
This publication has 9 references indexed in Scilit:
- Influence of transverse resonator symmetry on excess noiseOptics Communications, 1997
- Resonance of Quantum Noise in an Unstable Cavity LaserPhysical Review Letters, 1996
- Quantum fractals in boxesJournal of Physics A: General Physics, 1996
- Integer, fractional and fractal Talbot effectsJournal of Modern Optics, 1996
- Experimental Observation of a Large Excess Quantum Noise Factor in the Linewidth of a Laser Oscillator Having Nonorthogonal ModesPhysical Review Letters, 1996
- The Origin of Excess NoiseJournal of Modern Optics, 1995
- Unstable-resonator-mode derivation using virtual-source theoryJournal of the Optical Society of America A, 1986
- Virtual-source theory of unstable resonator modesOptics Letters, 1981
- Asymptotic theory of unstable resonator modes*Journal of the Optical Society of America, 1973