ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a class of resonator with intentional wall effects: the resonator path includes a “tube” or waveguide, in which light is guided by a series of Fresnel reflections from the tube walls. It shows how some resonator properties of waveguide lasers may be modelled theoretically, and how such models compare with actual laser devices. The chapter briefly discusses light propagation and modes in hollow dielectric waveguide structures. It presents some detail of first–order waveguide resonator theory. The chapter is concerned with the resonator properties of some real waveguide lasers, and how readers interpret them in terms of available resonator theory. It also describes the simplified fields and propagation constants for square and circular waveguide geometries. The lack of consistent notation for waveguide modes is usually the first thing that hampers workers in this subject. The chapter summarises usual methods of calculating properties of waveguide resonators, and examines some of geometric constraints and principles in design of a resonator.
