Amplitude and Frequency Characteristics of a Ring Laser

Abstract

The variations in intensity and difference frequency of the oppositely directed traveling waves in a ring laser with a single isotope and with mixed isotopes of neon have been measured as a function of cavity tuning. Agreement with the theory of F. Aronowitz and C. V. Heer is obtained. Amplitude modulations of each beam intensity at the difference frequency are observed. The sum intensity shows a power dip and no modulation. Complete extinction of one traveling wave over narrow frequency bands separated by one half of the mode spacing is observed. In two-mode operation the observed extinction width is less than 1 Mc/sec.