USE OF A GENERALIZED-METHOD OF EIGENMODES IN THE THEORY OF LASERS

An analysis is made of the application a generalized method of eigenmo des, which is used in steady-state diffraction problems to the theory of lasers. In the study of open laser cavities the use of this method makes it possible to avoid difficulties associated with the exponentia l growth of the field at infinity. The generalized method developed pr eviously for solving steady-state diffraction problems is extended to the case of non-steady-state narrow-band processes to construct in the ordinary way the equations describing the operation of the laser. The only difference is that the field is expanded in the eigenfunctions t hat are orthogonal in the region occupied by the active medium. This e liminates the difficulties associated with the behavior of the made fi eld at infinity. In addition, in a number of cases the generalized eig enfunctions (modes) correspond considerably better to the held distrib ution in the operating laser. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.