Abstract
The properties of confocal resonators with g1 = g2 = 0 and with one mirror confined by an aperture were investigated both theoretically and experimentally. The fundamental mode operation with complete filling of the medium, which is located near the unconfined mirror, can always be obtained by an appropriate choice of the aperture radius. Numerical calculations based on Fresnel integrals, including the amplification of the gain medium, provide a detailed understanding of the resonator properties, with guidelines for an optimum resonator performance. Diffraction loss, mode structure, beam quality, extraction efficiency, and misalignment sensitivity of these resonators are measured with a pulsed Nd:YAG laser in a single-shot operation.
© 1993 Optical Society of America
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