Role of aberration effects in dispersive cavities

An investigation is reported of narrowing of the spectrum in dispersive cav ities when the aperture size is reduced. Wavelength tuning as a result of d isplacement of the axis of an optical system is also considered. These effe cts are explained without invoking the aberrations associated with an asymm etry of the dispersive components of the system. An analysis is made of the main factors governing the laser frequency tuning as a result of displacem ent and misalignment of complex systems.