Comparison of NH3 laser dynamics with the extended lorenz model

We present a comparison of the intensity and the electric field measured from an optically pumped FIR NH₃ laser showing instabilities with the respective results obtained from numerical integration of the Lorenz model extended to allow for detuning of the laser cavity with respect to emission line center. Good agreement between experimental and numerical results for high gas pressure suggests that this laser is appropriately described by the Lorenz model for higher operating pressure, while in the low pressure domain qualitative differences are found.Dedicated to Prof. Dr. Herbert Welling on the occasion of his 60th birthdayVisiting from Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010, USA