Abstract

Periodic modulations of the losses in laser resonators (wire grids, holes) can be used to generate transversal modes of enhanced volume (supermodes) by self-imaging (Tal-bot-effect). The constructive interference in self-imaging optical systems allows a phase-locking of independently oscillating lasers or separated parts of one active medium. For this reason, Talbot-resonators are of increasing interest especially for segmented laser architectures like fiber array lasers, semiconductor laser arrays and segmented solid state lasers.

© 1994 Optical Society of America