ABSTRACT
Resonators provide the optical structure in which laser oscillations are established. Passive optical resonators can also be used to increase locally the power of coherent optical radiation or to filter optical radiation. An understanding of laser resonators is necessary in analysing the spatial beam characteristics and temporal coherence properties of the light output of laser systems. Optimizing the design of a laser system requires resonator analysis. In addition to the operation and design of lasers, an understanding of optical resonators is important in coupling the laser output to the application in which it is to be used. This chapter reviews the fundamental aspects of laser resonators and discusses some of the techniques of laser operation.
