Superradiant Regime Research Articles

High-Gain Harmonic-Generation Free-Electron Laser Seeded by Harmonics Generated in Gas

The injection of a seed in a free-electron laser (FEL) amplifier reduces the saturation length and improves the longitudinal coherence. A cascaded FEL, operating in the high-gain harmonic-generation regime, allows us to extend the beneficial effects of the seed to shorter wavelengths. We report on the first operation of a high-gain harmonic-generation free-electron laser, seeded with harmonics generated in gas. The third harmonics of a Ti:sapphire laser, generated in a gas cell, has been amplified and up-converted to its second harmonic (λ(rad)=133 nm) in a FEL cascaded configuration based on a variable number of modulators and radiators. We studied the transition between coherent harmonic generation and superradiant regime, optimizing the laser performances with respect to the number of modulators and radiators.

Peculiarities of spike multimode generation of a superradiant distributed feedback laser

Using one-dimensional semiclassical Maxwell — Bloch equations with account for the coherent polarisation dynamics, we have studied spike generation regimes of a superradiant distributed feedback laser in the case of inhomogeneous broadening of the spectral line of an active medium. By analysing the dynamic spectra of inversion of the active medium and laser radiation, we have revealed the relationship of individual spikes of radiation and their modulation with specific parts in the spectral line of the active medium and mode beatings. It has been shown that the broadening and shift of the lasing spectrum with respect to the initial electromagnetic Bragg-cavity modes is accompanied by a strong spectral gradient of inversion that is typical of the superradiant regimes.

Transport through nanostructures with asymmetric coupling to the leads

Using an approach to open quantum systems based on the effective non-Hermitian Hamiltonian, we fully describe transport properties for a paradigmatic model of a coherent quantum transmitter: a finite sequence of square potential barriers. We consider the general case of asymmetric external barriers and variable coupling strength to the environment. We demonstrate that transport properties are very sensitive to the degree of opening of the system and determine the parameters for maximum transmission at any given degree of asymmetry. Analyzing the complex eigenvalues of the non-Hermitian Hamiltonian, we show a double transition to a super-radiant regime where the transport properties and the structure of resonances undergo a strong change. We extend our analysis to the presence of disorder and to higher dimensions.

New space-time effects in superradiance: Experiment and theory

A new effect has been observed in the superradiance of praseodymium ions in a lanthanum trifluoride matrix: the effect of selecting transverse pumping structures upon the oblique-incidence pumping of superradiant media. A simple explanation for this effect is given. The possible reasons for the stochastization of the oscillatory regime of superradiance, a phenomenon observed upon both the normal and oblique incidence of pumping radiation on a crystal and when the crystal is placed in a resonator with an eigenfrequency close to the frequency of the superradiant transition, are analyzed.

Intensity fluctuations in steady-state superradiance

Alkaline-earth-metal-like atoms with ultranarrow optical transitions enable superradiance in steady state. The emitted light promises to have an unprecedented stability with a linewidth as narrow as a few millihertz. In order to evaluate the potential usefulness of this light source as an ultrastable oscillator in clock and precision metrology applications, it is crucial to understand the noise properties of this device. In this paper, we present a detailed analysis of the intensity fluctuations by means of Monte Carlo simulations and semiclassical approximations. We find that the light exhibits bunching below threshold, is to a good approximation coherent in the superradiant regime, and is chaotic above the second threshold.

The extremal black hole bomb

We analyze the spectrum of massive scalar bound states in the background of extremal Kerr black holes, focusing on modes in the superradiant regime, which grow exponentially in time and quickly deplete the black hole's mass and spin. Previous analytical estimates for the growth rate of this instability were limited to the $\mu M\ll1$ and $\mu M\gg1$ regimes, where $\mu$ and $M$ denote the scalar field and black hole masses, respectively. In this work, we discuss an analytical method to compute the superradiant spectrum for generic values of these parameters, namely in the phenomenologically interesting regime $\mu M\sim 1$. To do this, we solve the radial mode equation in two overlapping regions and match the solutions in their common domain of validity. We show that matching the functional forms of these functions involves approximations that are not valid for the whole range of scalar masses, exhibiting unphysical poles that produce a large enhancement of the growth rate. Alternatively, we match the functions at a single point and show that, despite the uncertainty in the choice of the match point, this method eliminates the spurious poles and agrees with previous numerical computations of the spectrum using a continued-fraction method.

Numerical modeling of a table-top tunable Smith–Purcell terahertz free-electron laser operating in the super-radiant regime

Terahertz (THz) radiation occupies a very large portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and has generated much recent interest due to its ability to penetrate deep into many organic materials without the damage associated with ionizing radiation such as x-rays. One path for generating copious amount of tunable narrow-band THz radiation is based on the Smith–Purcell free-electron laser (SPFEL) effect. In this paper we propose a simple concept for a compact two-stage tunable SPFEL operating in the super-radiant regime capable of radiating at the fundamental bunching frequency. We demonstrate its capabilities and performances using the conformal finite-difference time-domain electromagnetic solver VORPAL.

Photonic quasicrystalline and aperiodic structures

We have theoretically studied propagation of exciton-polaritons in deterministic aperiodic multiple-quantum-well structures, particularly, in the Fibonacci and Thue-Morse chains. The attention is concentrated on the structures tuned to the resonant Bragg condition with two-dimensional quantum-well exciton. The superradiant or photonic-quasicrystal regimes are realized in these structures depending on the number of the wells. The developed theory based on the two-wave approximation allows one to describe analytically the exact transfer-matrix computations for transmittance and reflectance spectra in the whole frequency range except for a narrow region near the exciton resonance. In this region the optical spectra and the exciton-polariton dispersion demonstrate scaling invariance and self-similarity which can be interpreted in terms of the ``band-edge'' cycle of the trace map, in the case of Fibonacci structures, and in terms of zero reflection frequencies, in the case of Thue-Morse structures.

Dynamics of quantum dot superradiance

The possibility of realizing the superradiant regime of electromagnetic emission by the assembly of quantum dots is considered. The overall dynamical process is analyzed in detail. It is shown that there can occur several qualitatively different stages of evolution. The process starts with dipolar waves triggering the spontaneous radiation of individual dots. This corresponds to the fluctuation stage, when the dots are not yet noticeably correlated with each other. The second is the quantum stage, when the dot interactions through the common radiation field become more important, but the coherence is not yet developed. The third is the coherent stage, when the dots radiate coherently, emitting a superradiant pulse. After the superradiant pulse, the system of dots relaxes to an incoherent state in the relaxation stage. If there is no external permanent pumping, or the effective dot interactions are weak, the system tends to a stationary state during the last stationary stage, when coherence dies out to a low, practically negligible, level. In the case of permanent pumping, there exists the sixth stage of pulsing superradiance, when the system of dots emits separate coherent pulses.

Exciton-polaritonic quasicrystalline and aperiodic structures

We have theoretically studied propagation of exciton-polaritons in deterministic aperiodic multiple-quantum-well structures, particularly, in the Fibonacci and Thue-Morse chains. The attention is concentrated on the structures tuned to the resonant Bragg condition with two-dimensional quantum-well exciton. Depending on the number of wells, the super-radiant either photonic-quasicrystal regimes are realized in these aperiodic structures. For moderate values of the exciton nonradiative damping rate $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$, the developed theory based on the two-wave approximation allows one to perceive and describe analytically the exact transfer-matrix computations for transmittance and reflectance spectra in the whole frequency range except for a narrow region near the exciton resonance ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}$. In this region the optical spectra and the exciton-polariton dispersion demonstrate scaling invariance and self-similarity which can be interpreted in terms of the ``band-edge'' cycle of the trace map, in the case of Fibonacci structures, and in terms of zero reflection frequencies, in the case of Thue-Morse structures. With decreasing $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$, in the whole allowed polariton band the two-wave approximation stops to be valid, and a transition occurs from Bloch-like to localized states, with modes closer to ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}$ becoming localized first.

Superradiance transition in one-dimensional nanostructures: An effective non-Hermitian Hamiltonian formalism

Using an energy-independent non-Hermitian Hamiltonian approach to open systems, we fully describe transport through a sequence of potential barriers as external barriers are varied. Analyzing the complex eigenvalues of the non-Hermitian Hamiltonian model, a transition to a superradiant regime is shown to occur. Transport properties undergo a strong change at the superradiance transition, where the transmission is maximized and a drastic change in the structure of resonances is demonstrated. Finally, we analyze the effect of the superradiance transition in the Anderson localized regime.

Superradiant instability of five-dimensional rotating charged AdS black holes

We study the instability of small AdS black holes with two independent rotation parameters in minimal five-dimensional gauged supergravity to massless scalar perturbations. We analytically solve the Klein-Gordon equation for low-frequency perturbations in two regions of the spacetime of these black holes: namely, in the region close to the horizon and in the far-region. By matching the solutions in an intermediate region, we calculate the frequency spectrum of quasinormal modes. We show that in the regime of superradiance only the modes of even orbital quantum number undergo negative damping, resulting in exponential growth of the amplitude. That is, the black holes become unstable to these modes. Meanwhile, the modes of odd orbital quantum number do not undergo any damping, oscillating with frequency-shifts. This is in contrast with the case of four-dimensional small Kerr-AdS black holes which exhibit the instability to all modes of scalar perturbations in the regime of superradiance.

Model of stochastization of the oscillatory regime of superradiance

Based on the analysis of the experimental data on the observation of the fluorescence and superradiance of praseodymium ions in a matrix of lanthanum trifluoride, a model of superradiance of three-level radiators with two close upper levels is developed in the mean-field approximation and studied. The uppermost level is coherently pumped by an ultrashort pulse of electromagnetic field, after which the excitation is transferred to the close energy level, from which the superradiance transition occurs to the lower level. In limiting cases, the considered model is reduced to the known models of superradiance and describes the ordinary regimes of monopulse and multipulse (oscillatory) superradiance. However, in a certain region of parameters, the model under discussion describes such a multipulse superradiance signal in which electromagnetic field spikes composing it follow in time with random intervals and amplitudes, so that the regime of regular chaotic dynamics is demonstrated in a single superradiance signal. In a certain time interval, the proposed model can be described by the Lorenz equations with the parameters corresponding to the chaotic dynamics of spikes composing the superradiance signal. The presented results of the numerical simulation of the model equations qualitatively correspond to the picture of stochastic pulsations observed experimentally.

A Far Infrared Super Radiant FEL

The basic physics, results of 3–D simulations, and relevant parameters for the design of a far infrared FEL, which operates in the SASE superradiant short bunch regime, are presented. It is shown that a quite interesting device can be easily developed, with rather new features, producing coherent laser pulses with ∼10 psec duration and around 7 MW peak power.

Superradiance regime of laser cooling in extended solids

The kinetics of the extended crystal doped by rare-earth ions in the regime of anti-Stokes laser cooling has been considered taking into account the collective radiation effects. The system of Markovian equations for impurities and pseudolocal phonons has been obtained. As would be expected, the collective radiation effects cause an acceleration in relaxation depletion of the phonon mode and, therefore, an increase in crystal cooling efficiency.

Transverse effects in collective atomic recoil lasing

We investigate transverse effects in collective atomic recoil lasing (CARL), where a cold atomic sample is lightened by a far detuned laser beam resonant with the internal atomic transition. The gradient force of the scattered radiation field produces a collective self-focusing on the atoms, which could be observed in a Bose-Einstein condensate stored in a bidirectional optical ring cavity or in the superradiant CARL-BEC regime.

Experimental Characterization of Superradiance in a Single-Pass High-Gain Laser-Seeded Free-Electron Laser Amplifier

In this Letter we report the first experimental characterization of superradiance in a single-pass high-gain free-electron laser (FEL) seeded by a 150 femtosecond (FWHM) Ti:sapphire laser. The nonlinear energy gain after an exponential gain regime was observed. We also measured the evolution of the longitudinal phase space in both the exponential and superradiant regimes. The output FEL pulse duration was measured to be as short as 81 fs, a roughly 50% reduction compared to the input seed laser. The temporal distribution of the FEL radiation as predicted by a numerical simulation was experimentally verified for the first time.

A high-power periodic nanosecond pulse source of coherent 8-cm electromagnetic radiation

The generation of short electromagnetic pulses excited in an extended slow-wave system (SWS) of a relativistic backward wave tube (BWT) operating in the so-called superradiance regime with a carrier frequency of 3.7 GHz has been simulated and experimentally studied. At a decreased magnetic field (about 0.2 T) in the SWS, the BWT generated 2.5-ns microwave pulses with a power of up to 800 MW. At a pulse repetition rate of 100 Hz, the working life of the system was limited by the lifetime of an explosive emission cathode (106 pulses). The possibility of phase synchronization of the high-frequency field of the relativistic microwave oscillator with respect to the voltage pulse front is demonstrated for the first time.

Generation of high-power nanosecond pulses in a relativistic backward-wave oscillator in the regime of spatial accumulation of energy

We study the generation of electromagnetic pulses with a carrier frequency of 3.7 GHz in a relativistic backward-wave oscillator with a long slow-wave system in the superradiance regime of super-radiation for a magnetic induction of 0.2 T (below the cyclotron resonance). To decrease transverse velocities of the electrons, we use decompression of a hollow electron beam. Decompression in combination with a sharp leading edge of the high-voltage pulse (460 kV) applied to the explosive-emission cathode are used for increasing the cathode lifetime and improving the azimuthal uniformity of the beam. As a result, the achieved peak power of the microwave radiation amounts to 800 MW for a pulse duration of 2.5 ns and a repetition rate of 100 Hz. The uninterrupted operation in such a regime determined by the lifetime of the explosive-emission cathode is increased up to 105–106 pulses. The efficiency of conversion of the electron-beam power into the electromagnetic-wave power is increased up to 50%, The possibility of locking the electromagnetic oscillations phase by a sharp edge of the high-voltage pulse at the cathode was observed for the first time in such a relativistic generator.

Superradiance from hydrodynamic vortices: A numerical study

The scattering of sound-wave perturbations from vortex excitations in hydrodynamic systems with typical Bose-Einstein-condensate (BEC) parameters is investigated by numerical integration of the associated Klein-Gordon equation. The simulations indicate that at sufficiently high angular speeds, in the perturbative limit where back-reaction effects can be neglected, sound wave packets can extract a sizable fraction of the vortex energy through a mechanism of superradiant scattering. It is conjectured that this superradiant regime may be detectable in BEC experiments.