Three-Dimensional Finite Element Computation of Laser Cavity Eigenmodes
Applied Optics, Vol. 43, Issue 9, pp. 1892-1901 (2004)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/AO.43.001892
Acrobat PDF (514 KB)
Abstract
A new method for computing eigenmodes of a laser resonator by the use of finite element analysis is presented. For this purpose, the scalar wave equation (Δ + k2)Ẽ(x, y, z) = 0 is transformed into a solvable three-dimensional eigenvalue problem by the separation of the propagation factor exp(−ikz) from the phasor amplitude E˜(x, y, z) of the time-harmonic electrical field. For standing wave resonators, the beam inside the cavity is represented by a two-wave ansatz. For cavities with parabolic optical elements, the new approach has successfully been verified by the use of the Gaussian mode algorithm. For a diode-pumped solid-state laser with a thermally lensing crystal inside the cavity, the expected deviation between Gaussian approximation and numerical solution could be demonstrated clearly.
© 2004 Optical Society of America
OCIS Codes
(000.4430) General : Numerical approximation and analysis
(140.3410) Lasers and laser optics : Laser resonators
(140.3580) Lasers and laser optics : Lasers, solid-state
(140.4780) Lasers and laser optics : Optical resonators
(140.6810) Lasers and laser optics : Thermal effects
Citation
Konrad Altmann, Christoph Pflaum, and David Seider, "Three-Dimensional Finite Element Computation of Laser Cavity Eigenmodes," Appl. Opt. 43, 1892-1901 (2004)
http://www.opticsinfobase.org/ao/abstract.cfm?URI=ao-43-9-1892
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