Transverse modes of plane-mirror waveguide resonators

The author examines what familiar first-order theory predicts about plane-plane resonator behavior, stressing the similarities and differences between circular-bore and square-bore devices. The effects of moving a mirror away from the guide are discussed, and illustrated with novel results for the modes and losses of single-guide and U-folded designs with square bores. It appears that laser performance cannot be accurately predicted by previous treatments which use only a few (1-3) waveguide nodes.<
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