Conceptual difficulty with FP Resonator

In summary, the resonator will reflect a certain amount of energy back out of the end it was pumped from, and will also output a signal that is composed of two components, the signal that was reflected without entering the cavity and the signal "leaking" out of the end.
  • #1
H_man
145
0
If we have a resonator composed of 2 partially transmitting mirrors/grids and we excite the resonator from one end, say the left side then on the right we expect to get the characterstic transmission comb and on the left the inverse (1-Transmission) reflection curve.

Whats giving me a headache is this... shouldn't we see the characteristic transmission curve at both ends of the resonator as the frequency that is being built up is dependent upon the length of the resonator not its orientation in space... it shouldn't matter to the resonant wave which direction its going in.

So.. at the left side we'd see reflection curve + half transmission curve and at the right end just half the transmission curve.

Put perhaps slightly more clearly. If we have a 1mW laser going in from the left we are going to get 1mW coming out from the right if the frequency is tuned correctly, but I don't see why we shoudn't get 0.5mW from each end leaving the resonator??

:confused:
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
H_man said:
If we have a 1mW laser going in from the left we are going to get 1mW coming out from the right if the frequency is tuned correctly, but I don't see why we shoudn't get 0.5mW from each end leaving the resonator??:confused:

You should, and this is what happens if you excite the cavity with a pulse, turn off the laser and look at the decay. In this case the two ends are equivalent.

However, as long as you are pumping the cavity with a laser the reflected signal will be composed to two components, the signal that was reflected without entering the cavity +the signal "leaking" out of the the end. As you long as you have a good cavity these two signal will have a extremely well defined phase relationship, meaning they will superimpose in such a way as to cause cancellations etc.
 
  • #3
Hi f95Toli... thanks, that's very helpful.
 

1. What is a FP Resonator?

A FP Resonator, or Fabry-Perot Resonator, is a type of optical resonator used in scientific research and engineering. It consists of two parallel mirrors that reflect light back and forth between them, creating a standing wave pattern. This allows for precise measurement and manipulation of the wavelength of light passing through the resonator.

2. What is the purpose of a FP Resonator?

The purpose of a FP Resonator is to control and manipulate light at a specific wavelength. This is useful in various applications such as laser technology, spectroscopy, and telecommunications. It allows for precise measurement and analysis of light, as well as the creation of stable and accurate light sources.

3. What are the challenges or difficulties associated with FP Resonators?

One of the main challenges with FP Resonators is achieving and maintaining high levels of precision. Any small disruptions or imperfections in the mirrors or the alignment of the resonator can greatly affect its performance. Additionally, the design and construction of the resonator must be carefully considered to minimize losses and optimize its efficiency.

4. How do researchers overcome conceptual difficulties with FP Resonators?

To overcome conceptual difficulties with FP Resonators, researchers must have a strong understanding of the underlying principles and mathematical models that govern their behavior. They must also have a thorough understanding of the materials and techniques used in constructing the resonator. Collaboration with experts and continuous experimentation and testing are also important in overcoming conceptual difficulties.

5. What are some potential applications of FP Resonators?

FP Resonators have a wide range of potential applications in various fields. They are commonly used in laser technology for precise control of the laser wavelength. They are also used in spectroscopy for analyzing the composition of materials and in telecommunication for signal processing and filtering. Other potential applications include optical sensing, quantum information processing, and high-precision metrology.

Similar threads

A question about resonance curve
    • Classical Physics
Replies
1
Views
1K
B Understanding air flow and resistance
    • Classical Physics
Replies
3
Views
665
Help with understanding of RF theory-Kinetic inductance parametric amp
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
1
Views
730
Finding the resonant frequency of this "discriminator" demod circuit.
    • Electrical Engineering
Replies
2
Views
1K
I Beam-splitter transformation matrix
    • Classical Physics
Replies
3
Views
2K
Is the Fabry-Perot Interference Dependent on Pulse Duration?
    • Optics
Replies
2
Views
902
What constitutes a closed end in acoustic resonance in tubes
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
8
Views
3K
I Some notes on stochastic physics
    • Classical Physics
Replies
0
Views
136
B What sound frequencies can pass through a hole in a wall?
    • Mechanics
Replies
31
Views
712
I Atomic Dipole Force: Exploring Interaction with Detuned Laser
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
10
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top