Steady-state ab initio laser theory: Generalizations and analytic results

Li Ge, Y. D. Chong, and A. Douglas Stone
Phys. Rev. A 82, 063824 – Published 21 December 2010

Abstract

We improve the steady-state ab initio laser theory (SALT) of Türeci et al. by expressing its fundamental self-consistent equation in a basis set of threshold constant flux states that contains the exact threshold lasing mode. For cavities with nonuniform index and/or nonuniform gain, the new basis set allows the steady-state lasing properties to be computed with much greater efficiency. This formulation of the SALT can be solved in the single-pole approximation, which gives the intensities and thresholds, including the effects of nonlinear hole-burning interactions to all orders, with negligible computational effort. The approximation yields a number of analytic predictions, including a “gain-clamping” transition at which strong modal interactions suppress all higher modes. We show that the single-pole approximation agrees well with exact SALT calculations, particularly for high-Q cavities. Within this range of validity, it provides an extraordinarily efficient technique for modeling realistic and complex lasers.

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  • Received 2 August 2010

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.82.063824

© 2010 The American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Li Ge, Y. D. Chong, and A. Douglas Stone

  • Department of Applied Physics, P. O. Box 208284, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8284, USA

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Vol. 82, Iss. 6 — December 2010

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