Abstract
Algebraic methods are developed for deriving steady-state solutions of the Bloch equations for a system of N atomic (molecular) levels resonantly coupled to strong coherent radiation fields in the rotating-wave approximation, and undergoing thermal (radiative and collisional) homogeneous relaxation. These methods are applied to a "ladder" model, in which the excitation and relaxation occur by one-level steps, with one field mode in resonance with each step. Explicit solution (in terms of coupling strengths, relaxation rates, and frequency detunings) is given for the three-level system, and some observations are made on systems of four or more levels. The process of solution of the N2-dimensional set of Bloch equations involves matrices of dimension N-1 or less.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1697-1707 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Physical Review A |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1979 |
Externally published | Yes |