Laser Illuminocity changes with cavity length

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    Cavity Laser Length
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between cavity length and laser beam strength in a Helium-Neon (HeNe) laser setup. As the distance between the mirrors is altered, the beam's strength is affected due to the reduced light reflection from the concave mirror, which can be mathematically represented as a function of distance. Participants clarify the definitions of "illuminocity" and "beam strength," emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between output power and output irradiance in laser applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of laser physics, specifically HeNe laser operation
  • Knowledge of optical components, including concave and planar mirrors
  • Familiarity with concepts of beam strength and output irradiance
  • Basic grasp of mathematical functions related to light propagation
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  • Research the effects of cavity length on laser output power in HeNe lasers
  • Study the principles of light reflection and beam divergence in optical systems
  • Learn about the Heaviside function and its applications in laser physics
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Laser physicists, optical engineers, and anyone involved in the design and optimization of laser systems will benefit from this discussion.

fargoth
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I got a HeNe tube with a constant size which has a concave mirror at one end.
Im changing the distance of the other mirror from the tube.. now, i know some distances arent stable, but appart from the Heaviside function, is there any other change in the beam's strength?
the only thing that comes to my mind is that as i move the mirror away less light is reflected back, because it catches less of the cone of light made by the concave mirror in the back... so assuming that the shape of light beam from that mirror is a conus, the leading order is [tex]\frac{1}{r}[/tex]... am i right?
are there any other factors?
 
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I need a little clarfication on some points before I can answer your question.

Firstly, what do you mean by illuminocity and beam strength? I have a feeling you are either referring to the lasers output power, or its output irradiance, could you confirm this?

Just to clarify, you are asking how the output beam of a laser will change as you vary the distance between the mirrors?

One final question, is the mirror you are using at the output end planar or concave?

Claude.
 

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