Saturable optical resonator

The nonlinear characteristics of saturable optical resonators (resonators containing saturable absorbers) are derived from a two-level model of the absorber. Steady-state and transient responses are given. The influence of incomplete bleaching of the absorber and of detuning of the resonator is discussed. Experiments are performed with a ruby and a neodymium laser as light source and solutions of organic dyes as saturable absorbers. The experimental results can be described by the theory. © 1972 The American Institute of Physics.