Resonator interferometry of pulsed submillimeter-wave lasers

In this paper laser resonator interferometry for submillimeter-wave lasers is discussed. In particular, the application of laser resonator interferometry to the study of various aspects of laser emission is shown. The basis of this interferometry is an understanding of the resonator mode structure, which is derived from a theory of resonators with low Fresnel numbers and dielectric enclosure. The mode structure is confirmed by experimental results. Interferometric studies reveal a relationship between the mode structure and the shape of the laser output pulses. This allows for some conclusions with respect to the molecular mechanism that is responsible for laser emission. This mechanism is not yet understood for the long wavelength emissions of ICN (+H
2
?), up to 0.774 mm.