Compact-cavity two-dimensional Hermite–Gaussian lasing enabled by birefringence-induced astigmatism
Abstract
We report controllable two-dimensional (2D) Hermite–Gaussian (HG) lasing in a compact plano-concave cavity by exploiting the intrinsic birefringence of an a -cut Nd:YVO 4 crystal. The birefringence-induced astigmatism provides modal discrimination against tilted one-dimensional (1D) competitors, allowing axis-aligned HG m , n modes to oscillate under 2D off-axis pumping. By increasing the birefringent crystal length, the output evolves from tilted 1D modes to axis-aligned 2D HG modes. We further show that cavity-length design can enhance the same modal discrimination, enabling 2D HG oscillation in a shortened-cavity configuration. These results verify a simple and compact route to controllable two-index HG lasing without pump shaping or intracavity loss elements.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Random lasers and scattering media
Orbital Angular Momentum in Optics
Quantum optics and atomic interactions
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Optics Letters
- Publisher
- Optica Publishing Group
- Volume
- 51
- Issue
- 15
- Pages
- 4192–4192
- Publication date
- 9 July 2026
- Language
- EN