The Prony method is extended to handle the nonsymmetric algebraic eigenvalue problem and improved to search automatically for the number of dominant eigenvalues. A simple iterative algorithm is given to compute the associated eigenvectors. Resolution studies using the QR method are made in order to determine the accuracy of the matrix approximation. Numerical results are given for both simple well defined resonators and more complex advanced designs containing multiple propagation geometries and misaligned mirrors.

Computer studies have shown that azimuthal static mirror misfigures as small as lambda/20 can lead to severe degradation in the far field on axis intensity for resonators with an annular gain region. This poor far-field pattern can, however, be dramatically improved by the use of adaptive elements within the resonator. A rear cone in the resonator had a static misfigure applied to it, and an adaptive ring axicon located in the front of the resonator was deformed in such a way as to compensate for the misfigure of the rear element of the resonator.