MULTIAXIS LASER EIGENSTATES

We derive a theoretical model based on a generalized Jones matrix form alism to calculate the eigenstates of lasers with N propagation axes. Spatial separation of the beams is realized inside the cavity by a col lection of double-refraction crystals. This method allows one to adapt the mode volume to the geometry of the active medium. N-forked eigens tates are isolated, and the possibility of scaling up the TEM(00) outp ut power of a monomode laser is shown. All these features are tested e xperimentally in two-, four-, and eight-axis lasers and show good agre ement with the theoretical predictions. (C) 1996 Optical Society of Am erica.