Radiation amplification through autoionizing resonances without population inversion

Abstract

We present a quantitative study of radiation amplification without population inversion based on models recently proposed by Harris [Phys. Rev. Lett. 62, 1033 (1989)]. We discuss both two-level and three-level arrangements in terms of the density matrix. Our calculations, which are fully time dependent, incorporate an incoherent pumping mechanism that is essential for amplification. We discuss in detail the range of and conditions on atomic parameters for which amplification is possible. Its feasibility is demonstrated through the direct calculation of the change of the intensity of a probe beam interacting with the atom.