Optical resonators and Gaussian beams

Introduction

We considered in the previous sections a single solution of the paraxial wave equation, namely the fundamental Gaussian mode. Other solutions, mathematically forming an orthonormal and complete base, exist. Each oscillation in the resonator is a linear combination of those modes. Their transverse structures have a rectangular, cylindrical, or a mix of them symmetry : it is mainly defined by the mirrors shape (rectangular or circular). This structure is in general strongly affected by other perturbations and cannot be observed so easily.

AccueilOutils transversesNouvelle pageInformations sur le cours (ouvrir dans une nouvelle fenêtre)High order modesHermite-Gaussian Modes