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Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 103601 (2007) [4 pages]

Gain Narrowing in Few-Atom Systems

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Tom Savels1,*, Allard P. Mosk2, and Ad Lagendijk1,2
1FOM Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics, Kruislaan 407, 1098 SJ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
2Complex Photonic Systems, MESA+ Research Institute, University of Twente, Post Office Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands

Received 6 April 2006; published 5 March 2007

Using a density matrix approach, we study the simplest systems that display both gain and feedback: clusters of 2 to 5 atoms, one of which is pumped. The other atoms supply feedback through multiple scattering of light. We show that, if the atoms are in each other’s near field, the system exhibits large gain narrowing and spectral mode redistribution. The observed phenomena are more pronounced if the feedback is enhanced. Our system is to our knowledge the simplest exactly solvable microscopic system which shows the approach to laser oscillation.

© 2007 The American Physical Society

URL:
http://link.aps.org/doi/10.1103/PhysRevLett.98.103601
DOI:
10.1103/PhysRevLett.98.103601
PACS:
42.50.Gy, 32.80.−t

*Electronic address: t.savels@amolf.nl

 
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