<p> Following the introduction to the field of lasers and the theories of laser oscillations in the light output, it is pointed out that calculations involving existing theories yield oscillation periods in excess of the period observed for our crystal. To account for this disagreement, the thesis proposes the inclusion of the additional loss terms of scatter and diffraction augmenting the transmission loss. The theory of Birnbaum Stocker and Welles (BSWl) is extended to include these additional loss mechan- isms and the oscillation period predicted, using the mea- sured values of these parameters is in good agreement with the. observed oscillation period. </p> / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

Experimental evidence is presented that supports the theory that beats between transverse modes are responsible for the fast modulation carried on occasions by laser relaxation oscillations. / Thesis / Master of Engineering (ME)