A Method for Evaluating the Cavity Loss and an Optimum Reflectivity of the Output Mirror in a Ruby Laser with an External Mirror

Abstract

Both the cavity loss and an optimum reflectivity of the output mirror were determined experimentally from a set of measurements of the laser energy output for different glass plates placed as attenuators inside the cavity. The internal cavity loss value and the optimum value of the reflectivity for the ruby used were 0.14±0.01 per pass and 0.73, respectively under the pumping of 1000 joules, with mirror spacing of 23.6 cm, and at fixed temperature of 13°C. This optimum reflectivity was in good agreement with the one obtained by the measurements of the energy output for different reflectivities of the output mirror.