Dynamic stable ring resonator for high-power continuous single-frequency lasers: conditions for a compact resonator

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Laser Physics
• Resonator Design

Background:

• Ring resonators are preferred for dynamically stable lasers due to larger stability intervals and reduced misalignment sensitivity compared to linear resonators.
• Existing literature lacks straightforward design guidelines for dynamically stable ring resonators.
• Previous ring resonator designs, while achieving single-frequency operation, were not compact and had limitations in mode spacing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop design guidelines for creating shorter, dynamically stable ring resonators.
• To achieve improved performance metrics, including lower misalignment sensitivity and wider mode spacing, in a compact resonator.
• To leverage previously established equations for designing equivalent ring resonators.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing established theoretical equations for dynamically stable ring resonators.
• Investigating symmetric resonators incorporating a pair of lenses.
• Analyzing stability zone parameters to optimize resonator length.

Main Results:

• Identified conditions for constructing the shortest possible dynamically stable ring resonator.
• Demonstrated the feasibility of designing compact ring resonators with equivalent stability characteristics.
• Provided a pathway for improved single-frequency laser performance through optimized resonator geometry.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully outlines methods for designing shorter, dynamically stable ring resonators.
• The findings enable the creation of more compact laser devices with enhanced stability and performance.
• This work addresses the need for practical design guidelines in ring resonator engineering.