Phase Tuning Characteristics of a Double-Longitudinal-Mode He-Ne Laser with Optical Feedback

Abstract

The phase tuning characteristics of a double-longitudinal-mode He-Ne laser with optical feedback are demonstrated. The phase behaviors of the two adjacent longitudinal modes are studied with different laser cavity lengths at the weak feedback level, and it is found that the phase difference of the two modes can be 0 to 180° along with the changing of the length of external cavity. The high-density intensity fringes are obtained with asymmetric feedback cavity at a strong feedback level. In particular, the phase difference is also observed between the two high-density fringes of adjacent modes, which have the potential to develop a direction sensitive laser feedback interferometer with high resolution. A simple theoretical analysis is presented, which fits well with the experimental results.