Dynamics of operation of a linear gas laser with an intracavity rotating amplitude-phase modulator

A theoretical investigation is reported of the operation of an He–Ne laser emitting at λ = 1.15 μm and characterized by an amplitude-phase anisotropy. It is shown that if the phase anisotropy Δ differs little from πm (where m is an integer), the competing effects of the resonator cavity and of the amplifying medium lead to self-oscillatory lasing. A diagram showing lasing regimes characterized by different dynamics is calculated as a function of Δ and of the modulator rotation frequency.