Physical Review
Coherent Resonance Fluorescence Excited by Short Light Pulses
David C. Burnham, R. Y. Chiao
Abstract
Assuming infinite relaxation times and negligible pulse attenuation, we calculate the ringing produced when a resonant light pulse passes through a medium. These assumptions imply that each atom of the medium is excited identically and will therefore radiate coherently. Two models are used for the atoms of the medium: the classical harmonic oscillator and the two-level quantum-mechanical atom. The validity of the various approximations is discussed in detail.