Abstract

Unstable resonators with a variable reflectivity mirror (VRM) are unique in allowing the production of a smooth near-field distribution with good focusing properties simultaneously with the high-energy extraction from a large-gain volume, Achieving these conditions requires, however, a careful design of the cavity and a proper choice of the profile for the variable reflectivity mirror. To this end, diffractional and nonlinear gain effects must be taken into account, especially in high-gain Q-switched lasers. Until recently, no systematic study of the properties of VKM unstable resonators including these effects had been performed.

© 1991 Optical Society of America