Gaussian-beam open resonator with highly reflective circular coupling regions

A high-Q open resonator with quasi-optical coupling regions is described. The resonator consists of a pair of spherical mirrors, on each of which a highly reflective, partially transparent circular region is fabricated with a diameter larger than several wavelengths. The signal is coupled in and out as a Gaussian beam by means of these regions. Both very weak coupling and very efficient mode conversion are simultaneously achieved. This results in a Q-factor over 2*10/sup 5/ and a high signal-to-noise ratio at 105.9 GHz. The Q-factor of the open resonator can be varied by rotating the output mirror to change the angle between the directions of the conducting stripes on the two mirrors.<
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