Abstract

Optical resonators with phase-conjugate mirrors (PCR) have potential application in present and future laser systems. Because of the properties of phase conjugation these resonators have the potential for compensating intracavity distortions and, at the same time, optimizing the energy output from the gain medium. In addition to these unique spatial properties, the presence of a conjugate mirror in the resonator gives rise to stability criteria different from conventional Fabry-Perot resonators, acts as a narrowband frequency filter for the resonator output, and leads to longitudinal modes whose magnitude, separation, and existence depend upon the physical properties of the nonlinear medium used as the conjugator.

© 1981 Optical Society of America