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Stability criteria for high-intensity lasers

Journal Article · · Phys. Rev., A; (United States)
The output characteristics of a high-intensity laser oscillator are examined by means of a semiclassical density-matrix approach. Unlike previous investigations the time derivatives of the field and material quantities are retained, and a basic instability in the semiclassical laser equations is revealed. This instability accounts for the recently reported spontaneous pulsations in xenon laser oscillators. The pulsations can be interpreted as a consequence of spectral holeburning in inhomogeneously broadened lasers, and stability criteria are derived for both standing-wave and traveling-wave oscillators. In simplest terms the pulsations should occur in any inhomogeneously broadened laser where the product of the homogeneous linewidth and the cavity lifetime is less than unity.
Research Organization:
School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90024
OSTI ID:
5688928
Journal Information:
Phys. Rev., A; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev., A; (United States) Vol. 21:3; ISSN PLRAA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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