Transverse mode control and switching in gas laser arrays

Theoretical and experimental investigations of multiple transverse mode laser oscillation involving spatially varying gain and loss are carried out. The effect of gain and loss distribution on mode competition is analyzed. Numerical examples are given for a CO/sub 2/ waveguide laser array. Experimental results of CO/sub 2/ laser arrays are found to be consistent with the theory, and robust in-phase coupled mode array operation has been achieved.<
>