Intracavity Rayleigh scattering in microspheres: limits imposed on quality factor and mode coupling

Mikhail L. Gorodetsky; Vladimir S. Ilchenko; Andrew D. Pryamikov

doi:10.1117/12.349278

24 May 1999 Intracavity Rayleigh scattering in microspheres: limits imposed on quality factor and mode coupling

Mikhail L. Gorodetsky, Vladimir S. Ilchenko, Andrew D. Pryamikov

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 3611, Laser Resonators II; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.349278
Event: Optoelectronics '99 - Integrated Optoelectronic Devices, 1999, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

We present a detailed analysis of the effect of volumetric and surface inhomogeneities as a source of quality-factor limitation and intracavity resonant backscattering in optical microsphere cavities of fused silica. Intrinsic scattering in microspheres is shown to be significantly inhibited as compared to standard Rayleigh scattering in the bulk material. This reassessment of fundamental losses indicates that Q-factors substantially exceeding the previously expected limit of approximately 10¹¹ can be obtained in microspheres, as soon as surface hydration is prevented. The intracavity backscattering is analyzed as a source of whispering-gallery mode splitting and resonant optical feedback in presence of a mode-matched travelling- wave coupler.

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Mikhail L. Gorodetsky, Vladimir S. Ilchenko, and Andrew D. Pryamikov "Intracavity Rayleigh scattering in microspheres: limits imposed on quality factor and mode coupling", Proc. SPIE 3611, Laser Resonators II, (24 May 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.349278

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