Signal-flow graphs in coupled laser resonator analysis

Abstract

Signal-flow graph analysis of coupled linear systems is introduced in order to find a simple method to treat systems of coupled optical resonators. The proposed method turns out to be well suited for this purpose, and the reflectance and transmittance of coupled resonator systems are easily found. The expressions for amplitude reflectivity and transmittivity are derived for the simplest systems of coupled resonators for systems coupled both in series and in parallel. Some specific examples for the two- and three-mirror cases with beam splitters are given.