Self-reproducing ray-cluster and misalignment of gas laser resonator having a coaxial discharge chamber

A laser resonator with two annular spherical mirrors is studied. The self-reproducing mode of this resonator is established by means of a self-reproducing ray-cluster. Its existence condition and area are analyzed and provided for the first time. The resonator's adjusting accuracy is analyzed in detail and the relevant calculation for typical cases is illuminated. The tolerance of mirror center displacement from the axis of the coaxial discharge chamber is proved to be about 0–0.15 mm, and the tilt tolerance 0–6″, when resonator length L≈1 m, the radius of curvature of the two mirrors ρ≈5–10 L, and the loss of applicable radial width of the coaxial discharge chamber for light propagation is smaller than 1 mm. The object–image relation of the resonator and its application in adjustment of the resonator are also discussed.