A theoretical and experimental investigation was made of the properties of a four-level optical quantum generator. Conditions were found for the transition from four-level to three-level generation in a generator on a CaF2:U(3+) base. (Author)
Abstract : On the basis of the probability method and the resonator theory, it is possible to explain the basic properties of quantum generators of light and in a number of the most important cases to obtain quite accurate correlation with experiment. During use of probability method of calculation, energy levels and probability of transition between them are used as initial data. The main problem is reduced to determination of populations of separate levels depending upon intensity of irradiation, with subsequent calculation of number of optical transitions. In quantum generators it is necessary to consider transitions between levels which appear under the action of pumping radiation, as well as under action of the generated radiation itself.
Experimental and theoretical investigations were made of the characteristics of an 'anomalous' component of the scattering of high-intensity laser radiation in a resonant medium (sodium vapour) observed earlier in the frequency range ω L > ω D2 . The appearance of this component had been attributed by other authors to parametric downconversion. Contrary to this interpretation, the component in question was observed also at frequencies of ω L < ω D1 . An analysis showed that the generation of this component and its properties can be explained fully by a four-wave interaction in a gas of three-level atoms.
An investigation was made of the absorption spectrum of Cr 3+ ions in the ground ( 4 A 2 ) and metastable ( 2 E) states, and of the luminescence spectrum of the same ions in Y 3 Al 5 O 12 crystals at 300 and 77°K. The effective absorption cross sections were determined for the 4 A 2 state. The luminescence deexcitation time was found to be 1.5 and 9 msec at 300 and 77°K, respectively. The absorption spectrum of the 2 E state had four wide absorption bands with maxima at 16,700, 23,300, 28,600, and 40,500 cm –1 . The theoretical energy level scheme of Cr 3+ was calculated for Dq = 1725 cm –1 , G = 640 cm –1 , C = 3200 cm –1 , v = 495 cm –1 , and v' = 259 cm –1 , making an allowance for the mixing of the Γ trig S states. The experimentally observed absorption bands were attributed to specific transitions and the theoretical and experimental intensities were compared.
Experimental and theoretical investigations were made of the polarization characteristics of a four-wave phase-conjugate mirror utilizing the 3S1/2–3P3/2 transition in sodium atoms and different combinations of linearly and circularly polarized external waves. A good agreement was established between the experimental results and a theory developed allowing for the optical transfer of atoms between magnetic sublevels and for a residual Doppler broadening due to the noncollinearity of the wave vectors of the interacting waves.