Conical refraction mode of an optical resonator

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Crystallography

Background:

• Conical refraction (CR) is a unique optical phenomenon occurring in biaxial crystals.
• Optical resonators are fundamental components in laser systems and optical experiments.
• Understanding light propagation in anisotropic media is crucial for advanced optical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally demonstrate the fundamental mode of a conical refraction resonator.
• To characterize the polarization and intensity structures of the fundamental CR mode.
• To theoretically explain the observed mode using established models and simulations.

Main Methods:

• Experimental setup utilizing a plano-concave cavity configuration with a biaxial crystal.
• Characterization of CR beams' polarization and intensity patterns.
• Theoretical analysis using the dual cone model and symmetry principles.
• Confirmation through numerical simulations.

Main Results:

• Successful experimental demonstration of the fundamental mode in a CR resonator.
• Identification of distinct polarization and intensity structures of CR beams within the resonator.
• Observation of resemblance to a Gaussian mode between the crystal and concave mirror.
• Validation of the dual cone model and symmetry principles in explaining the CR mode.

Conclusions:

• The fundamental mode of a conical refraction resonator has been experimentally realized.
• The mode exhibits unique characteristics influenced by the biaxial crystal and resonator geometry.
• Theoretical models accurately predict and explain the observed behavior of the fundamental CR mode.