Phase-space dynamics of a single-atom laser: Nonclassicality and bistability

Abstract

We investigate the dynamics of a single-qubit single-mode laser with continuous incoherent pumping of a qubit, the field mode being initially prepared in a coherent state. Analysis of partial differential equations for quasiprobability distributions helps us distinguish two stages of evolution (coherent and incoherent ones) with their characteristic features. The system can exhibit bistabilitylike behavior, similar to that reported for a single-atom laser with continuous coherent pumping, and is capable of generating Schr\"odinger cat states. Quantitative analysis of the field state nonclassicality shows that its maximum is reached at intermediate stages of evolution.