Asymptotic analysis of unstable laser resonators with circular mirrors

Abstract

The asymptotic methods developed by Horwitz for the analysis of strip unstable laser resonators are extended to resonators with circular mirrors. The theory is developed and shown to give results in good agreement with results obtained using more conventional techniques, with substantial savings in computer time. The interleaving of the resonator eigenvalue graphs is seen to persist, even at very large Fresnel numbers. Further applications of asymptotic resonator analysis are suggested.