Optical Cavity
An optical cavity is a space where light is confined between two or more mirrors. This setup allows light to bounce back and forth, enhancing its intensity. Optical cavities are essential components in devices like lasers, where they help produce coherent light by amplifying it through a gain medium.
The design of an optical cavity can vary, but it typically includes a pair of highly reflective mirrors facing each other. The distance between these mirrors determines the cavity's resonant frequencies, which are the specific wavelengths of light that can be amplified. This principle is crucial in applications involving lasers and optical communication.