Investigation of the characteristics of formation of the angular distribution of laser radiation in resonators with retroreflecting mirrors

A study was made of the formation of the angular distribution of laser radiation in resonators with retroreflecting mirrors. The exchange lasing was investigated and methods of suppressing it were considered. The dynamic and static optical inhomogeneities were compensated in the active medium and in the optical channel. This reduced the divergence of the output radiation by a factor of 5–10. Intracavity beam control was achieved and complex angular distributions of specified configuration were formed. Self-guidance of the radiation on a mirror target within an angle of 30 µrad was attained.