We theoretically study a superradiant laser, deriving both the steady-state behaviors and small-amplitude responses of the laser's atomic inversion, atomic polarization, and light field amplitude. Our minimum model for a three-level laser includes atomic population accumulating outside of the lasing transition and dynamics of the atomic population distribution causing cavity frequency tuning, as can occur in realistic experimental systems. We show that the population dynamics can act as real-time feedback to stabilize or destabilize the laser's output power, and we derive the cavity frequency tuning for a Raman laser. We extend the minimal model to describe a cold-atom Raman laser using ${}^{87}$ Rb, showing that the minimal model qualitatively captures the essential features of the more complex system [Bohnet et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 253602 (2012)]. This work informs our understanding of the stability of proposed millihertz linewidth lasers based on ultranarrow optical atomic transitions and will guide the design and development of these next-generation optical frequency references.We theoretically study a superradiant laser, deriving both the steady-state behaviors and small-amplitude responses of the laser's atomic inversion, atomic polarization, and light field amplitude. Our minimum model for a three-level laser includes atomic population accumulating outside of the lasing transition and dynamics of the atomic population distribution causing cavity frequency tuning, as can occur in realistic experimental systems. We show that the population dynamics can act as real-time feedback to stabilize or destabilize the laser's output power, and we derive the cavity frequency tuning for a Raman laser. We extend the minimal model to describe a cold-atom Raman laser using ${}^{87}$Rb, showing that the minimal model qualitatively captures the essential features of the more complex system [Bohnet et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 253602 (2012)]. This work informs our understanding of the stability of proposed millihertz linewidth lasers based on ultranarrow optical atomic transitions and will guide the design and development of these next-generation optical frequency references.

arXiv:1311.4518Physical Review AJan 8, 201427 citations

Dynamical Control of Order in a Cavity-BEC System

Jayson G. Cosme, Christoph Georges, Andreas Hemmerich +1 more

We demonstrate dynamical control of the superradiant transition of cavity-BEC system via periodic driving of the pump laser. We show that the dominant density wave order of the superradiant state can be suppressed, and that the subdominant competing order of Bose-Einstein condensation emerges in the steady state. Furthermore, we show that additional, nonequilibrium density wave orders, which do not exist in equilibrium, can be stabilized dynamically. Finally, for strong driving, chaotic dynamics emerge.We demonstrate dynamical control of the superradiant transition of cavity-BEC system via periodic driving of the pump laser. We show that the dominant density wave order of the superradiant state can be suppressed, and that the subdominant competing order of Bose-Einstein condensation emerges in the steady state. Furthermore, we show that additional, nonequilibrium density wave orders, which do not exist in equilibrium, can be stabilized dynamically. Finally, for strong driving, chaotic dynamics emerge.

arXiv:1806.10573Physical Review LettersOct 11, 201838 citations

Synchronization in Superradiant Lasers

Kevin C. Cox, Joshua M. Weiner, Justin Bohnet +1 more

Bulletin of the American Physical SocietyJun 9, 20150 citations

Superradiant laser: First-order phase transition and non-stationary regime

Christian Wiele, Fritz Haake, Kazimierz Rza̧żewski

arXiv:quant-ph/9806053The European Physical Journal DFeb 1, 19992 citations

Relaxation Oscillations, Stability, and Cavity Feedback in a Superradiant Raman Laser

Justin Bohnet, Zilong Chen, Joshua M. Weiner +2 more

We experimentally study the relaxation oscillations and amplitude stability properties of an optical laser operating deep into the bad-cavity regime using a laser-cooled ^{87}Rb Raman laser. By combining measurements of the laser light field with nondemolition measurements of the atomic populations, we infer the response of the gain medium represented by a collective atomic Bloch vector. The results are qualitatively explained with a simple model. Measurements and theory are extended to include the effect of intermediate repumping states on the closed-loop stability of the oscillator and the role of cavity feedback on stabilizing or enhancing relaxation oscillations. This experimental study of the stability of an optical laser operating deep into the bad-cavity regime will guide future development of superradiant lasers with ultranarrow linewidths.We experimentally study the relaxation oscillations and amplitude stability properties of an optical laser operating deep into the bad-cavity regime using a laser-cooled ^{87}Rb Raman laser. By combining measurements of the laser light field with nondemolition measurements of the atomic populations, we infer the response of the gain medium represented by a collective atomic Bloch vector. The results are qualitatively explained with a simple model. Measurements and theory are extended to include the effect of intermediate repumping states on the closed-loop stability of the oscillator and the role of cavity feedback on stabilizing or enhancing relaxation oscillations. This experimental study of the stability of an optical laser operating deep into the bad-cavity regime will guide future development of superradiant lasers with ultranarrow linewidths.

arXiv:1209.0774Physical Review LettersDec 18, 201240 citations

{}^{87}

Rb, showing that the minimal model qualitatively captures the essential features of the more complex system [Bohnet et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 253602 (2012)]. This work informs our understanding of the stability of proposed millihertz linewidth lasers based on ultranarrow optical atomic transitions and will guide the design and development of these next-generation optical frequency references.