Dispersion optical resonators of tunable lasers often contain one or more plane dispersive elements (PDE), e.g. , refracting boundaries or diffraction gratings. The characteristic feature of such structures is that their optical length varies over resonator cross-section; this causes specific difiuaction distortions of the light beam. But conventional ideas concerning processes in dispersion resonators are based on the analysis of simplified models, where each PDE conditionally is removed or replaced by certain thin optical element, so that particular nature ofPDE is neglected.An attempt of systematic theoretical consideration of optical resonator with PDE is presented. On the base of general formulae for paraxial beam transformation in PDE the integral equation describing wide class of dispersion resonators is derived. It is analyzed and discussed; for some cases there are given approximate analytical and numerical solutions. They demonstrate slight asymmetry in beam profile and in dependence of resonator losses on its misalignment. Besides, it is shown that tuning of the resonator can be changed not only by angular but by certain progressive shifts of resonator elements. These effects can give new possibilities for the control of tunable laser radiation and must be allowed for in precision measurements.
The problem ofthe continuity of knowledge in the field of laser resonators and the beam divergence is considered. Some interesting episodes ofthe laser history are expounded; one gives a grand attention to works ofRussian scientists.
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