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Unstable ring resonator with a compact output beam: description and experimental evaluation

Journal Article · · Appl. Opt.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.27.002694· OSTI ID:6973558

A novel type of unstable resonator is described, and its operation with a CO/sub 2/ laser is discussed. The laser mode is rectangular in cross section, and the field is inverted about a line that makes a 45/sup 0/ angle with the edge of the beam during a round-trip pass. Beam inversion, low magnification, and reasonably low sensitivity to misalignment allow efficient power extraction from low-gain lasing media while also outcoupling a solid rectangular beam. A beam quality of 1.1 was observed. The beam quality varied from 1.1 to 1.6 during misalignment of the rear rooftop mirror by approx.0.06 mrad. A further misalignment of approx.0.03 mrad stopped the lasing.

Research Organization:
U.S. Air Force Weapons Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico 87117
OSTI ID:
6973558
Journal Information:
Appl. Opt.; (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Opt.; (United States) Vol. 27:13; ISSN APOPA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English