The influence of frequency nonreciprocity on the emission dynamics of solid-state ring lasers (review)

The results of theoretical and experimental studies of characteristics of s olid-state ring lasers (SSRLs) operating in different regimes of lasing in the presence of optical nonreciprocity in the laser cavity are analysed in the context of possible applications of such systems in laser gyroscopy. Th e influence of frequency nonreciprocity Omega on the existence and stabilit y of stationary self-modulation lasing regimes and the characteristics of l aser radiation in these regimes is considered. We discuss different methods for detecting Omega, which are based on the measurement of self-modulation and beat frequencies, relaxation frequencies and the relevant decay rates, the ratio of mean intensities of counterpropagating waves, the modulation depth of the intensities of these waves, etc.