Re: Is an omnidirectional laser possible?

On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 05:14:48 +0000, Neil B. wrote:

"Green Xenon [Radium]" <glucegen1@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:47cce0c8$0$24088$4c368faf@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi:

Most lasers give out a unidirectional beam of light.

Is it possible to design an omnidirectional laser that gives out
coherent and in-phase light in all directions?


Thanks,

Radium


No. Just consider the inconsistency of trying to extend the sets of
crossing, propagating E and B vectors all around a sphere. It can't be
done, they won't match up at the "poles" if they are appropriate around
the "equator." You could get a donut-like intensity distribution,
however.

Is this related to the impossibility of smoothly combing a hairy sphere?

Or is it a different topological thing?

-- hendrik

.

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