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IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics

Practical aspects of lasing without inversion in various media

Jacob B. Khurgin, E. Rosencher

Published Jan 1, 1996• 18 citations
Publisher

Abstract

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.

DOI
10.1109/3.541674

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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.
A rigorous density-matrix approach has been applied to the interaction between an autoionizing system and electromagnetic radiation. The balance equations have been derived and analytical expressions for the inversionless lasing threshold and saturation output have been obtained. Using the intersubband transitions as an example, the potential performance of the inversionless laser has been analyzed and found to be inferior to that of the conventional laser. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
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.
The LWI operation condition for an open Λ-type three level atomic system is obtained by solving the steady-state density-matrix equation with the system being driven by a strong coherent field while the inherent pumping rate and decay rate being arbitrary.It is shown that the inversions of inherent pumping rate and spontaneous decay rate replace the inversion of population,and together help to realize lasing without population inversion.Furthermore,the LWI can be realized if just either one of the two inversions is fulfilled.A schrodinger equation of three-level atomic system with appropriate conditions is analytically solved to explain the quantum interference process that leads to LWI.
Abstract Diode-pumped alkali lasers (DPALs) exhibit remarkable efficiency. The modeling of these lasers has been limited by rate equations that neglect quantum coherence. In this paper, we introduce a semiclassical approach based on the density matrix formalism, which accurately accounts for relaxation processes and coherent effects. This framework enables us to reveal several previously unreported coherent effects in DPALs. Some of these effects, such as gain saturation due to power broadening, are expected. However, others are entirely unexpected and counterintuitive. Notably, we demonstrate the existence of laser gain even in the absence of population inversion, with a significantly broad lasing without inversion (LWI) regime extending beyond just the laser threshold. Even more surprising are the optimal pumping conditions, which reveal that a counterintuitive mix of coherent and incoherent pumping yields the highest efficiency. Our simulations highlight the crucial role of coherence, even in scenarios with high relaxation rates.
Abstract Starting from a quantum description of multiple Λ-type three-level atoms driven with a coherent microwave field and incoherent optical pumping, we derive a microscopic model of lasing from which we move towards a consistent macroscopic picture. Our analysis applies across the range of system sizes from nanolasers to the thermodynamic limit of conventional lasing. We explore the necessary conditions to achieve lasing without inversion in certain regimes by calculating the non-equilibrium steady state solutions of the model at, and between, its microscopic and macroscopic limits. For the macroscopic picture, we use mean-field theory to present a thorough analysis of the lasing phase transition. In the microscopic case, we exploit the underlying permutation symmetry of the density matrix to calculate exact solutions for N three-level systems. This allows us to show that the steady state solutions approach the thermodynamic limit as N increases, restoring the sharp non-equilibrium phase transition in this limit. We demonstrate how the lasing phase transition and degree of population inversion can be adjusted by simply varying the phase of the coherent driving field. The high level of quantum control presented by this microscopic model and the framework outlined here have applications to further understanding and developing nanophotonic technology.