The introduction of spurious modes in a hole-coupled Fabry-Pérot open resonator

Abstract

A hemispherical open resonator has previously been used to make relative comparisons of the surface resistivity of metallic thin-film samples in the submillimeter wavelength region. This resonator is fed from a far-infrared laser via a small coupling hole in the center of the concave spherical mirror. The experimental arrangement, while desirable as a coupling geometry for monitoring weak emissions from the cavity, can lead to the introduction of spurious modes into the cavity. Sources of these modes are identified, and a simple alteration of the experimental apparatus to eliminate such modes is suggested.