Abstract

Unidirectional ring lasers allow higher power single longitudinal mode (SLM) output than conventional cavities as they reduce spatial hole burning within the gain medium. This is conventionally achieved through the use of a faraday isolator which adds to the complexity, cavity length and cost of the system [1]. We report a new method for inducing unidirectional operation of a ring laser by using a parasitic beam to suppress one of the cavity directions. This new mechanism is of interest as it reduces the complexity of unidirectional ring lasers and offers interesting potential for construction of high power SLM semiconductor and monolithic solid state ring lasers.

© 2009 IEEE