Asymmetry in the optical output power characteristics of a short-external-cavity laser diode

Asymmetry in optical power versus external-cavity length characteristics has been observed in a short-external-cavity laser-diode configuration. It is shown that this phenomenon can be explained only by introducing a complex coupling coefficient, representing the coupled field amplitude into the laser diode at each reflection. This supports the open resonator model description of the short-external-cavity laser diode. Such an asymmetry effect should be recognized and properly dealt with in any laser-diode sensor.<
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