Theory of excess noise in unstable resonator lasers

We theoretically investigate the quantum dynamics of an unstable resonator laser. Compared to a stable cavity laser of equal gain and loss it exhibits a K-fold enhanced linewidth. This excess noise factor K is a measure of the nonorthogonality of the resonator eigenmodes and amounts to an enlargement of the quantum vacuum fluctuations. Using a quantum treatment starting from first principles based on the nonorthogonal eigenmodes, we put previous theoretical predictions onto a more firm ground. While we find a position-dependent enhancement of the spontaneous emission rate into an empty mode of only √K, the constructive quantum interference of the spontaneous emission with a single oscillating mode lets the Petermann excess noise factor K reappear in the phase diffusion (laser linewidth). Hence locally enhanced spontaneous emission as well as noise enhanced by interference (amplified spontaneous emission) play an equal role in the origin of excess noise.