Abstract

The linear theory of the correlated-emission laser (CEL) is studied using the quantum-mechanical definition of the phase of the electromagnetic field recently introduced by Barnett and Pegg [J. Mod. Opt. 36, 17 (1989); Phys. Rev. A 39, 1665 (1989)]. From the master equation for the density matrix of the field, a Fokker-Planck equation for the phase probability function is derived, and the phase properties of the CEL discussed. The Adler equation and the equation of motion for the variance of the phase difference are derived. The Fokker-Planck equation satisfied by the phase probability function is compared with the corresponding equations for the P, Q, and Wigner quasiprobability distributions, specialized to the case when amplitude fluctuations are negligible. We show that the phase probability function and the Wigner function satisfy the same equation, and conclude that, of the three quasiprobability functions studied, only the Wigner function is reliable for calculating directly the phase properties. The commonly used P function overestimates the laser linewidth by a factor of 2.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.