Polarization conversion loss in birefringent crystalline resonators

Abstract

Whispering gallery modes in birefringent crystalline resonators are investigated. We experimentally investigate the XY--cut resonators made with LiNbO${}_3$, LiTaO${}_3$ and BBO and observe strong influence of the resonator's shape and birefringence on the quality factor of the extraordinary polarized modes. We show that extraordinary modes can have lower Q and even be suppressed due to polarization conversion loss. The ordinary ray modes retain the high Q due to inhibited reflection phenomenon.

3 pages 6 figures