title: Transverse mode structure in unstable optical cavities.
abstract: The characteristics of unstable optical cavities have been investigated experimentally using a pulsed argon laser. We have studied the amplitude and phase distribution in the transverse modes of unstable cavities, as well as the characteristics of the output beam. Our experimental results are in qualitative agreement with existing theory. We have also demonstrated that an unstable cavity can be used to provide variable output coupling for a laser.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Optics, University ofRochester, Rochester, New York 14627, USA.
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Sinclair
authors.forename: T H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Cottrell