Quote Originally Posted by Roy G. Biv View Post
RedlumX,

Thanks for the explanation. So, if I understand you correctly, when the diode (even as an ECDL) is in MLM the coherence length is always shorter than the plate thickness (due to the short diode cavity), and therefore there will be a blurring of the fringes. The blurriness strength is dependent on the strength of the side modes.
Right! Though I am not sure whether this applies to ECDLs under all circumstances; I simply noticed this as a general rule, without a good explanation.