Reflection Anisotropy of 6328 A Laser Mirrors

The reflection anisotropy of 6328 A laser mirrors is investigated using an internal mirror 6328 A He–Ne laser with a fused-silica plate inside the cavity. Experimental and theoretical studies are made of: 1) the dependence of the mode polarization of the laser on the mirror orientation about the axis of the discharge tube; 2) the dependence of the mode polarization on the transverse mechanical pressure applied to the plate; and 3) the dependence of the beat frequency of the output light on the axial magnetic field applied to the plate. From these studies, the mirror anisotropy is obtained as 2.3 × 10 -3 of the phase type.