A Unidirectional Traveling-Wave Optical Maser*

Abstract

The basic ideas leading to a unidirectional traveling-wave optical maser are presented. Experimental data on the performance of pulsed ruby amplifying sections and high density PbO glass Faraday rotation isolators are given. Feasibility tests on a two-section device have been made and are in agreement with predictions. Some remarks are made concerning image definition, channel capacity, noise and pump power requirements.