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Quantum theory of an optical maser.

Willis E. Lamb, Marlan O. Scully

Published Jan 1, 1966• 42 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

Quantum theory of laser having only single-mode oscillation and ignoring atomic motion and spatial variations in cavity mode

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A simple maser model consisting of a single-mode field coupled to N identical two-level atoms is presented. The assumption of negligible statistical correlation between the atoms and the field, permits the Heisenberg equations of motion to be replaced by a self-consistent set of ordinary nonlinear differential equations. Relaxation terms and an energy source are introduced phenomenologically. The resulting equations exhibit a threshold, stable and unstable steady states, relaxation oscillations and, sometimes, spiking. The dynamic equations for the hydrogen maser and the rate equations of laser theory are derived as special cases. Also discussed are the maser amplifier, locking of a maser to an external signal, and the effects of cavity thermal noise.

American Journal of Physics•Nov 1, 1968•25 citations
Previous theories of laser radiation have described the electromagnetic field in terms of a discrete set of quasimodes (Fox and Li "modes") of the laser cavity. Each quasimode was assumed to have a finite quality factor Q. In steady state (when gain due to lasing atoms cancels the losses) and in the absence of noise sources, the semiclassical theory predicts a $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function line shape. In the present semiclassical analysis (fluctuations are ignored), this theory is generalized for a maser with a cavity having a semitransparent wall as one of the mirrors so that there are now many modes of the universe corresponding to each Fox-Li-type quasimode. It is demonstrated that the normal modes of the universe associated with a single Fox-Li "mode" may, under proper conditions, lock together and the $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function laser line shape may be regained. Specifically, we investigate the conditions under which the coupled multimode equations associated with laser oscillation can be reduced to an equation of the form found in the usual single-quasimode theory.
A simple maser model consisting of a single-mode field coupled to N identical two-level atoms is presented. The assumption of negligible statistical correlation between the atoms and the field, permits the Heisenberg equations of motion to be replaced by a self-consistent set of ordinary nonlinear differential equations. Relaxation terms and an energy source are introduced phenomenologically. The resulting equations exhibit a threshold, stable and unstable steady states, relaxation oscillations and, sometimes, spiking. The dynamic equations for the hydrogen maser and the rate equations of laser theory are derived as special cases. Also discussed are the maser amplifier, locking of a maser to an external signal, and the effects of cavity thermal noise.