Analysis of polarization spatial characteristics of a ring resonator formed by totally reflecting prisms

Polarization characteristics of a ring resonator formed by totally reflecti ng prisms are studied. On the basis of a method proposed for the study, the relation between polarization and wave parameters is analyzed. This resona tor is shown to be characterized by the formation of polarization-inhomogen eous waves whose ellipsometric parameters depend on transverse coordinates. This is caused, on the one hand, by the spatial distribution of anisotropy in stressed totally reflecting prisms and, on the other hand, by the disag reement between the radii of curvature of the radiation wavefront and the o ptical surfaces of prisms. Polarization-inhomogeneous elements produce addi tional polarization loss, but have no effect on the nonreciprocity of frequ encies of counter-propagating waves of a ring resonator in the absence of a magnetic field.