Generalized ray matrix for spherical mirror reflection and its application in square ring resonators and monolithic...

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Optical Engineering
• Laser Technology

Background:

• Spherical mirror reflections are fundamental in optical systems.
• Accurate analysis of resonators is crucial for high-precision applications like ring laser gyroscrosopes.
• Existing ray matrices may not fully account for all perturbation sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a generalized ray matrix for spherical mirror reflections, incorporating all perturbation sources.
• To demonstrate the application of this matrix in square and monolithic triaxial ring resonators.
• To present a novel method for error elimination in monolithic triaxial ring resonators.

Main Methods:

• Development of a 5x5 generalized ray matrix.
• Application of the matrix to analyze square ring resonators and monolithic triaxial ring resonators.
• Experimental validation of obtained results and proposed error elimination method.

Main Results:

• First-time proposal of a generalized 5x5 ray matrix for spherical mirror reflection with comprehensive perturbation analysis.
• Obtained novel results concerning optical-axis perturbation in example resonators.
• Developed and experimentally confirmed a new method to mitigate diaphragm and gain capillary mismatching errors.

Conclusions:

• The generalized ray matrix is a valuable tool for ray analysis in diverse resonator types.
• The findings are significant for the design, improvement, and alignment of high-accuracy ring laser gyroscopes.
• The proposed error elimination method offers enhanced effectiveness for monolithic triaxial ring resonators.