Abstract

A novel resonator is proposed, in which the polarizing properties of standard grating and polarizing components (such as Brewster angle windows) inside the cavity are used to vary continuously the ouput coupling over a wide range of values. An analysis of the polarization properties of the modes of such a resonator is presented, and practical suggestions are made about the choice of the polarizing components. The results of an experiment involving a TEA CO₂ laser are shown to verify some of the conclusions of the analysis.

© 1987 Optical Society of America

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