A cavity resonator uses resonance to amplify a wave. The cavity has interior surfaces which reflect one type of wave. When a wave that is resonant with the cavity enters, it bounces back and forth within the cavity, with low loss (See standing wave). As more wave energy enters the cavity, it combines with and reinforces the standing wave, increasing its intensity.
Some common examples of cavity resonators include the klystron tube in a microwave oven (see also magnetron), the tube of a flute, and the body of a violin (this latter also being an example of a Helmholtz resonator).
In a laser, light is amplified in a cavity resonator which is usually composed of two or more mirrors. Thus an optical cavity, also known as a resonator, is a cavity with walls which reflect electromagnetic waves (light). This will allow standing wave modes to exist with little loss outside the cavity.
The resonantcavity is inductively coupled to the output waveguide through an iris that sets the phase of the reflection by virtue of its location in relation to the klystron output gap and the magnitude of the reflection by virtue of its size.
Attached to the resonantcavity 20 are adjustable tuners for tuning the resonant frequency of the resonantcavity 20.
By increasing the size of the coupling iris 22, the Q of the resonantcavity 20 is lowered, causing the frequency response curve of the resonantcavity to be broadened.
The invention relates in particular to a laser having a resonantcavity containing at least one pair of fold-mirrors having a peak-reflectivity greater than 99.97 percent and arranged to cause multiple reflections therebetween of laser-light circulating in the resonantcavity.
In a simple arrangement of a lasercavity and dielectric material therein, such as, a gain medium and a mode locking device, total cavity GVD would be positive, i.e., shorter wavelength light experiences a higher refractive index and lower group velocity and lags behind longer wavelength light.
A folded resonatorcavity 12 is terminated at opposite ends thereof by end-mirrors 14 and 16.
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