Physical Review A
Lasing without inversion in three-level systems: Self-pulsing in the cascade schemes
J. Mompart, C. Peters, R. Corbalán
Abstract
Lasing without inversion (LWI) in specific models of closed three-level systems is analyzed in terms of nonlinear dynamics. From a linear stability analysis of the trivial nonlasing solution of the homogeneously broadened systems with on-resonance driving and laser fields, we find that, near lasing threshold, resonant closed $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ and $V$ schemes yield continuous-wave LWI while resonant cascade schemes can give rise to self-pulsing LWI. The origin of this different behavior is discussed. For parameters of a real cascade system in atomic ${}^{138}\mathrm{Ba}$ we check numerically that the self-pulsing solution is stable in a broad range of nonzero detunings. It is shown that the self-pulsing emission can still be observed when the typical residual Doppler broadening of an atomic beam is taken into account.