Lasing Threshold and Mode Competition in Chaotic Cavities
Abstract
The lasing threshold is studied of a multi-mode chaotic cavity (linear size D >> wavelength λ) coupled to the outside through a small hole (linear size d << λ). For sufficiently weak absorption by the boundaries, the statistical distribution of the threshold is wide, its mean value being much less than the pumping rate needed to compensate the average loss. The average number Nnc >> 1 of non-competing excited modes is proportional to the square root of the pumping rate. We use the classical model of spatial hole burning to account for mode competition and find a reduction in the average number of excited modes to N =31/3 Nnc2/3.
Turn this paper into a full lesson
ArcXiv compiles a staged curriculum from this paper: 8-12 lessons across beginner → advanced, synthesised section guides, visuals, flashcards, a quiz, exercises, and on-demand deep dives per section. Grounded in the abstract, never invented.