Abstract
In this thesis, we present a study of the fundamental building blocks of laser systems. In this respect, we face the question of presenting a workable definition of a laser. It is rewarding to formulate such a definition since this clarifies semantic issues right from the beginning and allows us to focus on the physics of the systems we present. In this thesis, we adopt the following definition:
A single-mode laser is a system which combines gain and feedback, such that one field mode (the laser mode) is characterized by a gain-induced increase of its spectral weight at the cost of all other system modes. The amplitudes of all system modes decay in time to an external bath and are replenished by the gain source.
Our definition of a single-mode laser is, although debatable, a workable definition in terms of experimentally observable quantities; its usage allows us to disregard laser-related semantic issues and concentrate on the physics of the systems at hand.
A single-mode laser is a system which combines gain and feedback, such that one field mode (the laser mode) is characterized by a gain-induced increase of its spectral weight at the cost of all other system modes. The amplitudes of all system modes decay in time to an external bath and are replenished by the gain source.
Our definition of a single-mode laser is, although debatable, a workable definition in terms of experimentally observable quantities; its usage allows us to disregard laser-related semantic issues and concentrate on the physics of the systems at hand.
| Original language | English |
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| Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
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| Award date | 14 Feb 2007 |
| Place of Publication | Enschede |
| Publisher | |
| Print ISBNs | 978-90-7720913-4 |
| Publication status | Published - 14 Feb 2007 |
Keywords
- METIS-239794