Simulating frequency splittings and loss in Fabry-Pérot cavities

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Optics
• Computational Electromagnetics

Background:

• Optical cavities are fundamental in laser systems and quantum optics.
• Understanding resonance spectra and modal losses is crucial for cavity design and performance.
• Existing theories, like nonparaxial theory, aim to describe cavity behavior but require experimental validation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform finite-element simulations of optical cavities.
• To analyze the resonance spectrum and identify frequency splittings.
• To compare simulation results with existing nonparaxial theory and experimental findings.
• To predict modal losses in a model-independent manner.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing finite-element simulations to model optical cavities.
• Analyzing the simulated resonance spectrum for frequency splitting phenomena.
• Comparing simulation outcomes with theoretical predictions and experimental data.
• Calculating modal losses from simulation results.

Main Results:

• Simulations successfully reproduced frequency splittings in the optical cavity resonance spectrum.
• The observed splittings provide strong evidence supporting the nonparaxial theory.
• Discrepancies were noted regarding the accuracy of predicted mirror-shape corrections.
• Model-independent predictions for modal losses of optical cavities were generated.

Conclusions:

• Finite-element simulations are a valuable tool for studying optical cavities.
• The results validate the nonparaxial theory for optical cavity behavior.
• Limitations in current theoretical models for mirror-shape corrections were identified.
• The simulations offer reliable predictions of modal losses, aiding cavity design.