A recent $S$-matrix-based theory of the quantum-limited linewidth, which is applicable to general lasers, including spatially nonuniform laser cavities operating above threshold, is analyzed in various limits. For broadband gain, a simple interpretation of the Petermann and bad-cavity factors is presented in terms of geometric relations between the zeros and poles of the $S$ matrix. When there is substantial dispersion, on the frequency scale of the cavity lifetime, the theory yields a generalization of the bad-cavity factor, which was previously derived for spatially uniform one-dimensional lasers. This effect can lead to sub–Schawlow-Townes linewidths in lasers with very narrow gain widths. We derive a formula for the linewidth in terms of the lasing mode functions, which has accuracy comparable to the previous formula involving the residue of the lasing pole. These results for the quantum-limited linewidth are valid even in the regime of strong line pulling and spatial hole burning, where the linewidth cannot be factorized into independent Petermann and bad-cavity factors.

• Received 5 February 2014

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.89.033840