Spatial separation of opposite waves in a ring laser

A transverse spatial separation of opposite waves in a solid-state ring laser with a homogeneously broadened luminescence line of the active substance was observed on increase in the difference between the frequencies of the ring resonator. This made it possible to reduce the competition between the opposite waves and to control the transverse structure of the solid-state laser radiation without altering the resonator geometry. The spatial separation of the opposite waves and the operating regimes of the laser could be altered also by means of nonreciprocal diffraction effects.