We investigate theoretically gain-guided modes in unstable resonators with a uniformly reflective mirror in the area of highly efficient steady-state lasers, where the gain saturation is the main efficiency factorly. We achieved self-consistent Hermite–Gaussian modes at significant gain saturation as well as the connection of the mode’s scaling factor and mode amplitude coefficients with the system parameters by using complex paraxial wave optics. A new stabilization mechanism, saturation guiding, works together with gain guiding in unstable resonators. We obtained more actual results for mode generation and selection by integrating the laser rate equation.

© 2001 Optical Society of America

[Optical Society of America ]

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