Self-modulation oscillations and relaxation processes in solid-state ring lasers

A detailed account is given of self-modulation and relaxation oscillations in single-mode solid-state ring lasers. A classification of self-modulation lasing regimes in such lasers is proposed. The results are given of theoretical and experimental investigations of the existence conditions and stability of various self-modulation regimes, of transient processes, and of relaxation oscillations in these regimes. The main dependences of the characteristics of self-modulation and relaxation oscillations on the laser parameters are considered. The interaction of self-modulation and relaxation oscillations, and the conditions for the appearance of dynamic chaos are discussed.