We develop a fully quantum-mechanical theory for the organic-dye-solution laser, obtain density-matrix equations of motion for the single-mode radiation-density operator and the matter-density operator, and solve and investigate the steady-state case. We generalize the usual Born-Markoff approximation master equation for two matter states to include four matter states, each one of which interacts with the laser radiation field. This allows us to treat exactly the organic-dye molecular triplet-state levels which participate in the laser operation in an essential way. For experimentally realizable conditions the steady-state solution contains features which are qualitatively different from nondye lasers. These effects are directly attributable to intensity-dependent triplet-state radiation absorption losses. At threshold the diagonal matrix elements of the radiation photon distribution ( ${R}_{n}$ ) can be a decreasing function of the photon number $n$ with an inflection point rather than the usual truncated Gaussian. This necessitates redefinition of threshold. For pumping just above threshold there may be both a maximum and a minimum in ${R}_{n}$ rather than just a maximum as in usual laser theories. We also specify the effect of triplets on the narrowing of ${R}_{n}$ for pumping above threshold and the subsequent widening of ${R}_{n}$ for pumping well above threshold. Many of our results require photon-counting experiments for verification. Also, our equations are easily reducible to a semiclassical theory, where our treatment of the triplets variables is an improvement over the usual rate equations.We develop a fully quantum-mechanical theory for the organic-dye-solution laser, obtain density-matrix equations of motion for the single-mode radiation-density operator and the matter-density operator, and solve and investigate the steady-state case. We generalize the usual Born-Markoff approximation master equation for two matter states to include four matter states, each one of which interacts with the laser radiation field. This allows us to treat exactly the organic-dye molecular triplet-state levels which participate in the laser operation in an essential way. For experimentally realizable conditions the steady-state solution contains features which are qualitatively different from nondye lasers. These effects are directly attributable to intensity-dependent triplet-state radiation absorption losses. At threshold the diagonal matrix elements of the radiation photon distribution (${R}_{n}$) can be a decreasing function of the photon number $n$ with an inflection point rather than the usual truncated Gaussian. This necessitates redefinition of threshold. For pumping just above threshold there may be both a maximum and a minimum in ${R}_{n}$ rather than just a maximum as in usual laser theories. We also specify the effect of triplets on the narrowing of ${R}_{n}$ for pumping above threshold and the subsequent widening of ${R}_{n}$ for pumping well above threshold. Many of our results require photon-counting experiments for verification. Also, our equations are easily reducible to a semiclassical theory, where our treatment of the triplets variables is an improvement over the usual rate equations.

Physical Review AMay 1, 197647 citations

Gain Noise in Dye Lasers

Emilio Hernández-Garcı́a, Maxi San Miguel, Raúl Toral +1 more

Springer eBooksJan 1, 19901 citation

Quantum Mechanics Applied to Dye Lasers.

Carol K. Pearce

Abstract : The application of quantum mechanics to dye laser theory is reviewed, based upon recent semiclassical and fully quantum mechanical studies. Both semiclassical and fully quantum mechanical approaches were included. Phenomena investigated in the dye laser medium included spectral hole burning, propagation of light pulses, and light absorption and emission. Some studies realistically included consideration of the triplet state. Mixtures of lasing dyes, or of lasing and saturable absorber dyes, were not treated, nor were vapor dye lasers. Theoretical limitations that might be inherent in dye lasers, such as gain and power output, are other important areas that deserve examination in future studies. (Author)Abstract : The application of quantum mechanics to dye laser theory is reviewed, based upon recent semiclassical and fully quantum mechanical studies. Both semiclassical and fully quantum mechanical approaches were included. Phenomena investigated in the dye laser medium included spectral hole burning, propagation of light pulses, and light absorption and emission. Some studies realistically included consideration of the triplet state. Mixtures of lasing dyes, or of lasing and saturable absorber dyes, were not treated, nor were vapor dye lasers. Theoretical limitations that might be inherent in dye lasers, such as gain and power output, are other important areas that deserve examination in future studies. (Author)

NASA STI/Recon Technical Report NSep 1, 19810 citations

Statistical Properties of - and Two-Mode Dye Lasers

Paul D. Lett

Jan 1, 19860 citations

{R}_{n}

) can be a decreasing function of the photon number

n

with an inflection point rather than the usual truncated Gaussian. This necessitates redefinition of threshold. For pumping just above threshold there may be both a maximum and a minimum in

{R}_{n}

rather than just a maximum as in usual laser theories. We also specify the effect of triplets on the narrowing of

{R}_{n}

for pumping above threshold and the subsequent widening of

{R}_{n}

for pumping well above threshold. Many of our results require photon-counting experiments for verification. Also, our equations are easily reducible to a semiclassical theory, where our treatment of the triplets variables is an improvement over the usual rate equations.