Phase-conjugate reflection-induced spiking oscillation in a multimode LiNdP(4)O(12) laser

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics
• Nonlinear Optics

Background:

• Continuous-wave (cw) lasers are fundamental in various scientific and technological applications.
• Laser instabilities can limit performance and necessitate detailed investigation.
• Four-wave mixing is a key nonlinear optical process occurring in laser media.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the origin of spiking oscillations in a cw LiNdP4O12 (LNP) laser.
• To identify the underlying physical mechanism responsible for the observed laser instability.
• To analyze the role of phase-conjugate reflection in the LNP laser system.

Main Methods:

• Experimental setup involving a cw LiNdP4O12 (LNP) laser coupled to an external beam splitter.
• Observation and characterization of spiking oscillation dynamics.
• Theoretical analysis of resonant four-wave mixing and its contribution to phase-conjugate reflection.

Main Results:

• Spiking oscillations were successfully observed in the cw LNP laser under specific experimental conditions.
• The instability was directly linked to phase-conjugate reflection.
• Resonant four-wave mixing within the LNP crystal was identified as the source of the phase-conjugate reflection.

Conclusions:

• The study elucidates the mechanism behind spiking oscillations in LNP lasers.
• Phase-conjugate reflection from resonant four-wave mixing is a critical factor causing laser instability.
• Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for controlling and optimizing LNP laser performance.