The Radiation Power of Gas Optical Quantum Generators (Lasers) with Plane Mirrors as a Function of the Mirror Misalignment Angle

摘要

The problem of field distribution and diffraction losses in resonators with tilted and curved mirrors is treated in the geometrical optics approximation, which has been shown to be valid for consideration of the integrated radiation power. A solution is given for resonators with non-reflecting lateral surfaces, which have properties similar to those of gas lasers. Losses through the lateral surfaces are shown to have a greater effect on the radiation power than diffraction losses. With absolutely plane end plates, the radiation power is extremely sensitive to very slight misalignment; in practice the sensitivity is much lower because of the less than perfect surface quality. The effect of surface quality is considered in terms of a set of concave areas oriented at random small angles and expressions are derived for the radiation power as a function of the surface quality. Agreement with experiment is satisfactory, making the method useful for approximate calculations, if diffraction losses are also considered. (Author)