Numerical modelling of continuous-wave holographic laser oscillators

The continuous-wave operation of a self-adaptive laser which oscillates by diffraction from a gain hologram is modelled numerically. We demonstrate th e greater-than-unity diffraction efficiency of a single gain grating and sh ow how the properties of an externally-written gain grating laser lead to t he realization of an entirely self-starting system. The dependence of outpu t power on parameters such as intracavity gain and output coupler reflectiv ity is investigated, thereby enabling the optimisation of power extraction and improving understanding of steady-state holographic laser action. (C) 2 000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.