The influence of frequency nonreciprocity on the emission dynamics of solid-state ring lasers

The results of theoretical and experimental studies of characteristics of solid-state ring lasers (SSRLs) operating in different regimes of lasing in the presence of optical nonreciprocity in the laser cavity are analysed in the context of possible applications of such systems in laser gyroscopy. The influence of frequency nonreciprocity Ω on the existence and stability of stationary self-modulation lasing regimes and the characteristics of laser radiation in these regimes is considered. We discuss different methods for detecting Ω, which are based on the measurement of self- modulation and beat frequencies, relaxation frequencies and the relevant decay rates, the ratio of mean intensities of counterpropagating waves, the modulation depth of the intensities of these waves, etc.