https://doi.org/10.1007/s100530050069
A simple quantum picture for the Petermann excess noise factor
Institut d'Optique, BP 147, 91403 Orsay Cedex, France
Corresponding author: a philippe.grangier@iota.u-psud.fr
Received:
30
July
1997
Accepted:
3
November
1997
Published online: 15 January 1998
We present a very simple "toy model" that allows one to recover the essential mathematical and physical features that lead to excess quantum noise and excess linewidth in lasers with unstable resonators. In a consistent quantum mechanical description, the excess noise factor (Petermann factor) is physically attributed to loss-induced coupling between the cavity eigenmodes.
PACS: 42.40.Lc – Quantum fluctuations, quantum noise, and quantum jumps / 42.55.Ah – General laser theory / 42.60.Da – Resonators, cavities, amplifiers, arrays, and rings
© EDP Sciences, Società Italiana di Fisica, Springer-Verlag, 1998
