Photorefractive self-organized laser cavities
Abstract
In our research group, "Non linear materials and applications", we focus our research on light-matter interaction. Taking advantage of the specificities of the nonlinearities evidenced in basic studies, we design and develop novel optical functions and components for optical data processing, telecommunications and holographic storage. Some of these achievements have already been transferred to the industry. After a short general description of our group, we will report our latest results on the use of intracavity photorefractive self-adapted filters. Inserting a photorefractive crystal inside a laser cavity indeed leads to striking behaviours. The oscillating modes record a dynamic hologram in the crystal, which in turn acts as a spectral filter for these modes. For a correctly designed system, this mutual adaptation spontaneously forces the laser to oscillate on a single longitudinal mode. We will describe this self-adaptive process, and illustrate how to use it to improve the spatial and longitudinal modal structures.