Gain and Dispersion Focusing in a High Gain Laser

The transverse modes of a laser resonator containing a medium with a strong radial gain profile differ greatly from the modes of a similar resonator containing a low gain medium. Focusing and defocusing effects result from the gain profile and from the associated dispersion profile. The dispersion focusing causes an asymmetry in the power output as the laser is tuned across the gain line. The theory has been verified using a high gain 3.51-micro xenon laser.