Quantum noise reduction in lasers with nonlinear absorbers

Helmut Ritsch; Peter Zoller

doi:10.1117/12.25000

1 March 1991 Quantum noise reduction in lasers with nonlinear absorbers

Helmut Ritsch, Peter Zoller

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 1376, Laser Noise; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.25000
Event: Advances in Intelligent Robotics Systems, 1990, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

Using an extension of the Scully—Lamb laser theory we show that by insertion of nonlinear elements in the cavity, laser light with nonclassical sub—Poissonian photon statistics can be generated. For an N—photon absorber in the limit of small saturation the variance of the photon number distribution can be reduced by a factor of (+1/N) compared to Poissonian limit of the usual laser. When we generalize the type of such nonlinear elements to the case of a nonlinear feedback or Raman type nonlinear transition, the noise in the laser intensity can be reduced even further and approach the ideal limit, characterized by a Mandel Q parameter of Q = —1. Furthermore we show how this noise reduction via nonlinearities can be combined with a regular pump mechanism, which recently has been sugessted as a way to generate sub—Poissonian light. It turns out that in certain configurations the effect of both methods can be combined. Finally we show how this nonclassical behaviour is also reflected in a reduction of the output intensity power spectra below the shot noise level.

Citation Download Citation

Helmut Ritsch and Peter Zoller "Quantum noise reduction in lasers with nonlinear absorbers", Proc. SPIE 1376, Laser Noise, (1 March 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.25000

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