Observation of random π phase jumps in a ring laser with backscattering

• Published in: Optics communications Vol. 66; no. 4; pp. 238 - 244
• Main Authors: Christian, W.R., Chyba, T.H., Gage, E.C., Mandel, L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.05.1988; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Gas lasers including excimer and metal-vapor lasers; Lasers; Optics; Physics; Gas laser; Neon; Phase; Backscattering; Laser; Helium; Stochastic process; Jumping; Ring laser

We have observed jumps of ±π in the phase difference between the two counterpropagating modes of a HeNe ring laser, whenever the complex backscattering coefficients R 1, R 2 satisfy the condition R 1 + R ∗ 2=0. The experiments made use of two retro-reflectors that allowed light to be reflected back...