The effectiveness of a reverse wave suppressor (RWS) mirror in an unstable ring resonator has been investigated theoretically and experimentally for the case of an inhomogeneously broadened gain medium. The theory indicates that the RWS mirror is effective when (δ/ΔV_h) ² « 1, where ΔV_h is the characteristic homogeneous linewidth of the gain medium and δ = Δu(v₀/c) is a measure of the separation between competing forward and reverse waves. Unstable linear ring resonator experiments were conducted using a continuous wave HF laser. Successful suppression of the reverse wave was achieved. In these tests the ratio of forward to reverse power had an average value of 41. An unstable annular ring resonator was investigated using a pulsed CO₂ laser. Reverse wave suppression was achieved when the resonator and RWS mirror were in good alignment. Suppression effectiveness and beam quality were degraded when the RWS mirror was tilted.

© 1984 Optical Society of America

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Citation lists with outbound citation links are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Cited by links are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Article level metrics are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription