title: Observation of Ince-Gaussian modes in stable resonators.
abstract: We report what is to our knowledge the first observation of Ince-Gaussian modes directly generated in a stable resonator. By slightly breaking the symmetry of the cavity of a diode-pumped Nd:YVO4 laser and its pump beam configuration we were able to generate single high-order Ince-Gaussian modes of high quality. The observed transverse modes have an inherent elliptic structure and exhibit remarkable agreement with theoretical predictions.
authors.affiliation: Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät II--Physik, Universität Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, D-93040 Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Ulrich T
authors.initials: UT
authors.lastname: Schwarz
authors.forename: Miguel A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Bandres
authors.forename: Julio C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Gutiérrez-Vega