Convex-Concave Resonators for TEM00 Operation of Solid-State Ion Lasers

Optical resonators with one convex and one concave mirror offer significant advantages for TEM00 mode operation of solid-state lasers. High efficiency and low sensitivity to perturbations and compactness have been obtained in comparison to other resonator types. The resonators described are characterized by a stability product equal to one-half, with one g parameter greater than unity. An equivalent resonator incorporating an intracavity lens is also described which offers a focused light beam of a selected radius useful for intracavity modulation or nonlinear effects. Experimental results are given for continuously pumped Nd: YAG lasers.