Threshold singularities of optically pumped dye lasers

A complete theoretical model for optically pumped dye lasers is studied using the rate equation approach which includes excited singlet and triplet state absorption effects. Closed-form solutions under steady-state conditions reveal a novel nonlinear threshold phenomenon: partial reabsorption of the excited laser light can lead to a discontinuous onset of laser oscillation above laser threshold. Theoretical and experimental results for a transversely and longitudinally pumped rhodamine 6G laser are presented in terms of softmode and hardmode behavior at threshold.