Design and performance of a broad-band optical diode to enforce one-direction traveling-wave operation of a ring laser

The principles for designing an intracavity "optical diode" for operation over a broad wavelength range are discussed. This is a device for enforcing one-direction traveling-wave operation of a ring laser. Test results in four dyes spanning the visible spectrum for two diode designs are given. The design with the broadest range, based on SF-2 glass as the Faraday rotator material, has given stable one-direction single-frequency operation from 425 to 810 nm.