Using a photorefractive oscillator (PRO) with a stable resonator, we investigate patterns produced from the transverse mode families of order 0--3. The phenomena observed include vortices which move along circular or spiral trajectories and vortices which periodically change the sign of their topological charge. In addition, we observe behavior which is unlike that expected for lasers, despite the established analogy between the laser and the PRO. This includes pulsing of mode patterns which are otherwise expected to be stable, and also stable rotation of Gauss-Laguerre mode patterns. These effects indicate a much stronger self-focusing in the PRO than in lasers. {} 1996 The American Physical Society.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Malos et al. (1996) studied this question.