Angular stability of a Fabry–Pérot cavity

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Malamala
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Cavity Fabry-perot
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the design of a two-mirror Fabry–Pérot cavity, specifically a 9.8 cm long cavity with mirrors having a 5 cm radius of curvature. The user seeks to understand how to analytically account for angular misalignments of the mirrors relative to the axis connecting their centers. Gaussian beam propagation formulas are utilized to compute various parameters, but the user requests methods for estimating the effects of angular misalignments. A suggestion is made to consider employing corner cubes for potential solutions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gaussian beam propagation
  • Familiarity with Fabry–Pérot cavity design
  • Knowledge of optical mirror properties
  • Basic principles of angular misalignment in optics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research analytical methods for estimating angular misalignment effects in optical systems
  • Explore the use of corner cubes in optical cavity designs
  • Study advanced Gaussian beam propagation techniques
  • Investigate numerical simulations for optical cavity alignment
USEFUL FOR

Optical engineers, physicists designing laser cavities, and researchers involved in precision optical alignment and beam propagation analysis.

Malamala
Messages
348
Reaction score
28
Hello! I am designing a two-mirror cavity for an experiment. For the properties I need, I ended up using a 9.8 cm long cavity, with the 2 mirrors both having a 5 cm radius of curvature. Using Gaussian beam propagation formulas, I can easily compute most of the parameters I need (e.g., behavior with variation in length). However, I am not sure how to account for angular misalignments of the mirrors with respect to the axis connecting their centers. Is there a way to do this analytically (even approximately)? Even an order of magnitude estimate would be good. Thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K