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Physical Review A

Theory of lasers without inversion

Victor R. Blok, Gennady M. Krochik

Published Feb 1, 1990• 44 citations

Abstract

We here present the theory of lasing without inversion for systems with a split upper laser level. We show that the effect of amplification without inversion may be realized for at least two different situations. In the first situation, the effect is due to the asymmetry of radiative characteristics of quasidegenerate transitions. In the second situation, the effect can be provided without any asymmetry and is achievable for the definite phase of the transfer of coherence between the quasidegenerate levels (quasiparametric amplification). We also show that for laser amplification without inversion, the rate (frequency) of mixing of the quasidegenerate levels should be significantly higher than the linewidths of these levels. This mixing of quasidegenerate levels can be realized by low-frequency electromagnetic radiation or by interaction with an auxiliary third level. In addition, we derive the conditions for providing laser action for such systems rigorously, and we give some specific examples for the realization of this effect in gaseous and solid-state media. One of the most promising configurations may be realized in solid-state media when two narrow quasidegenerate levels are embedded in quasifree states (low-density state conduction band). We also discuss the use of a parametric mechanism for the creation of spatial gratings and for the construction of new types of electro-optical devices.

DOI: 10.1103/physreva.41.1517

Related papers

Amplification and Lasing without Inversion

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When an atomic system interacts with light, it can amplify the electromagnetic radiation when gain exceeds loss. This requires that transitions from the upper level to the lower level prevail over the transitions from the lower level to the upper level. If one deals with a two-level system, the only way to obtain amplification is to create a state of population inversion, i.e. the upper level must be more densely populated that the lower level. "Lasing without inversion" may be possible when part of the atoms are trapped, which removes them from the subspace of states with which the upper level can have transitions. This chapter determines to what extent population inversion is necessary to achieve amplification. Independently, amplification without inversion and lasing without inversion were predicted by Harris using a different type of atomic interference. The amplification threshold has a number of features that are reminiscent of the laser threshold.

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Comment on ‘‘Theory of lasers without inversion’’

Shi-Yao Zhu, James D. Cresser, H. Fearn

We prove that lasing without inversion is impossible in the three-level system with two active upper levels that are mixed by applied low-frequency electromagnetic radiation. Such lasing was recently proposed by Blok and Krochik [Phys. Rev. A 41, 1517 (1990)].

Physical Review A•May 1, 1991•2 citations

Practical aspects of lasing without inversion in various media

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A rigorous density-matrix-based theory of lasing based on optically induced or autoionization-induced coherence between the levels is developed. The balance equations are obtained, and the conditions for lasing threshold are derived as a function of pumping strength and relaxation rates. Connection between the lasing without inversion and Raman and parametric processes is established. The main conclusion is that true CW lasing without inversion can indeed be obtained but only in a system where pumping and relaxation rates are favorable for attaining conventional lasing with population inversion. Practical implications of it, especially for the intersubband lasers, are discussed.

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A simple model of laser without inversion

P. Ru, L. M. Narducci, Marlan O. Scully +1 more

The emergence of laser action from an atomic system without population inversion is beginning to attract theoretical and experimental attention as a possible way of generating useful coherent radiation at unusual wavelengths. The goal of this communication is to clarify the physical origin of this phenomenon using a four-level system whose ground state consists of two quasidegenerate levels that are coupled to a higher-lying state by a Raman-like transition. In the presence of the ground-state coherence induced by the Raman field, we calculate the absorption spectrum of a weak probe whose tunable frequency scans across the transition frequencies between the two ground-state levels and another higher-lying state that may or may not be weakly excited by an incoherent pump mechanism. Our calculation, based on a dressed atomic state approach, clarifies the conditions that must be satisfied to produce gain, identifies the frequency (or frequencies) at which the gain is maximum, and elucidates the functions of the incoherent pump, the Raman field, and the coherence between the ground-state levels in this process. An appropriate set of Maxwell- Bloch equations for a ring-cavity model of this system confirms the appearance of laser action when the small-signal gain conditions are satisfied.

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Laser oscillations

E. Rosencher, B. Vinter

Introduction We were able to show in Chapter 3 that a medium in which we can obtain a population inversion (i.e. a situation in which the population density in the excited state is greater than that in the fundamental level) allows for optical gain of an electromagnetic wave having a frequency near to the resonant frequency of the system. By introducing feedback of the amplified signal into the medium, the system can be made to oscillate naturally, resulting in laser oscillations . To obtain this population inversion, we must introduce at least a third (and perhaps even a fourth) energy level into the system. (We saw how a two-level system under the influence of an intense pump beam will saturate with no resulting population inversion.) The aim then of this chapter is to introduce the concepts necessary to extend our two-level system into a working model capable of illustrating the phenomenon of laser oscillation. We will not spend too much time discussing atomic transition lasers as they do not figure readily in our treatment of quantum electronic properties of semiconductors. An exception will be made, however; we brush upon the particular topics of a diode pumped laser in Complement 4.E and a quantum cascade laser in Complement 13.H. Population inversion and optical amplification Population inversion We will show how population inversion can be achieved by carrier transfer from higher lying levels to the upper level of a two-level subsystem of interest.

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Manifestation of Quantum Interference in Lasing Without Inversion

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Abstract In terms of quantum interference we demonstrate the physical mechanisms which lead to light amplification without population inversion. The similarities and differences between the two model schemes, namely, A and V-type, are emphasized. A coherent radiation field, on one hand, which drives one of the lasing levels, yields the quantum mechanical two paths via Autler-Townes splittings. On the other hand, the spontaneous emission in this driving transition plays a key role in the asymmetries between the absorption and the stimulated emission in the lasing transition.

Zeitschrift für Naturforschung A•Jan 1, 1999•2 citations

We here present the theory of lasing without inversion for systems with a split upper laser level. We show that the effect of amplification without inversion may be realized for at least two different situations. In the first situation, the effect is due to the asymmetry of radiative characteristics of quasidegenerate transitions. In the second situation, the effect can be provided without any asymmetry and is achievable for the definite phase of the transfer of coherence between the quasidegenerate levels (quasiparametric amplification). We also show that for laser amplification without inversion, the rate (frequency) of mixing of the quasidegenerate levels should be significantly higher than the linewidths of these levels. This mixing of quasidegenerate levels can be realized by low-frequency electromagnetic radiation or by interaction with an auxiliary third level. In addition, we derive the conditions for providing laser action for such systems rigorously, and we give some specific examples for the realization of this effect in gaseous and solid-state media. One of the most promising configurations may be realized in solid-state media when two narrow quasidegenerate levels are embedded in quasifree states (low-density state conduction band). We also discuss the use of a parametric mechanism for the creation of spatial gratings and for the construction of new types of electro-optical devices.

When an atomic system interacts with light, it can amplify the electromagnetic radiation when gain exceeds loss. This requires that transitions from the upper level to the lower level prevail over the transitions from the lower level to the upper level. If one deals with a two-level system, the only way to obtain amplification is to create a state of population inversion, i.e. the upper level must be more densely populated that the lower level. "Lasing without inversion" may be possible when part of the atoms are trapped, which removes them from the subspace of states with which the upper level can have transitions. This chapter determines to what extent population inversion is necessary to achieve amplification. Independently, amplification without inversion and lasing without inversion were predicted by Harris using a different type of atomic interference. The amplification threshold has a number of features that are reminiscent of the laser threshold.

A rigorous density-matrix-based theory of lasing based on optically induced or autoionization-induced coherence between the levels is developed. The balance equations are obtained, and the conditions for lasing threshold are derived as a function of pumping strength and relaxation rates. Connection between the lasing without inversion and Raman and parametric processes is established. The main conclusion is that true CW lasing without inversion can indeed be obtained but only in a system where pumping and relaxation rates are favorable for attaining conventional lasing with population inversion. Practical implications of it, especially for the intersubband lasers, are discussed.

The emergence of laser action from an atomic system without population inversion is beginning to attract theoretical and experimental attention as a possible way of generating useful coherent radiation at unusual wavelengths. The goal of this communication is to clarify the physical origin of this phenomenon using a four-level system whose ground state consists of two quasidegenerate levels that are coupled to a higher-lying state by a Raman-like transition. In the presence of the ground-state coherence induced by the Raman field, we calculate the absorption spectrum of a weak probe whose tunable frequency scans across the transition frequencies between the two ground-state levels and another higher-lying state that may or may not be weakly excited by an incoherent pump mechanism. Our calculation, based on a dressed atomic state approach, clarifies the conditions that must be satisfied to produce gain, identifies the frequency (or frequencies) at which the gain is maximum, and elucidates the functions of the incoherent pump, the Raman field, and the coherence between the ground-state levels in this process. An appropriate set of Maxwell- Bloch equations for a ring-cavity model of this system confirms the appearance of laser action when the small-signal gain conditions are satisfied.

Introduction We were able to show in Chapter 3 that a medium in which we can obtain a population inversion (i.e. a situation in which the population density in the excited state is greater than that in the fundamental level) allows for optical gain of an electromagnetic wave having a frequency near to the resonant frequency of the system. By introducing feedback of the amplified signal into the medium, the system can be made to oscillate naturally, resulting in laser oscillations . To obtain this population inversion, we must introduce at least a third (and perhaps even a fourth) energy level into the system. (We saw how a two-level system under the influence of an intense pump beam will saturate with no resulting population inversion.) The aim then of this chapter is to introduce the concepts necessary to extend our two-level system into a working model capable of illustrating the phenomenon of laser oscillation. We will not spend too much time discussing atomic transition lasers as they do not figure readily in our treatment of quantum electronic properties of semiconductors. An exception will be made, however; we brush upon the particular topics of a diode pumped laser in Complement 4.E and a quantum cascade laser in Complement 13.H. Population inversion and optical amplification Population inversion We will show how population inversion can be achieved by carrier transfer from higher lying levels to the upper level of a two-level subsystem of interest.

Abstract In terms of quantum interference we demonstrate the physical mechanisms which lead to light amplification without population inversion. The similarities and differences between the two model schemes, namely, A and V-type, are emphasized. A coherent radiation field, on one hand, which drives one of the lasing levels, yields the quantum mechanical two paths via Autler-Townes splittings. On the other hand, the spontaneous emission in this driving transition plays a key role in the asymmetries between the absorption and the stimulated emission in the lasing transition.