Rotational stabilization and destabilization of an optical cavity

TL;DR

This paper explores how rotating an astigmatic two-mirror optical cavity can both destabilize and stabilize its modes, revealing novel control mechanisms with potential parallels to other physical systems.

Contribution

It demonstrates for the first time that rotation can both destabilize and stabilize an optical cavity, providing new insights into optical mode control.

Findings

Rotation can destabilize the cavity modes.

Rotation can also stabilize the cavity modes.

Effects are demonstrated through mode structure and angular momentum analysis.

Abstract

We investigate the effects of rotation about the axis of an astigmatic two-mirror cavity on its optical properties. This simple geometry is the first example of an optical system that can be destabilized and, more surprisingly, stabilized by rotation. As such, it has some similarity with both the Paul trap and the gyroscope. We illustrate the effects of rotational (de)stabilization of a cavity in terms of the spatial structure and orbital angular momentum of its modes.