Practical aspects of lasing without inversion in various media

Abstract

A rigorous density-matrix-based theory of lasing based on optically induced or autoionization-induced coherence between the levels is developed. The balance equations are obtained, and the conditions for lasing threshold are derived as a function of pumping strength and relaxation rates. Connection between the lasing without inversion and Raman and parametric processes is established. The main conclusion is that true CW lasing without inversion can indeed be obtained but only in a system where pumping and relaxation rates are favorable for attaining conventional lasing with population inversion. Practical implications of it, especially for the intersubband lasers, are discussed.