Laser physics

M. A. Bouchene
Laboratoire « Collisions, Agrégats, Réactivité »,
Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
 Outlook

• 1- Basic introduction
• 2- Optical cavity
• 3- Energetic model of the interaction
• 4- Laser oscillation (CW laser)
• 5- Laser frequency
• 6- Pulsed regime (summary)
1- Basic introduction
 Basic Ideas

 
( ki ,   ) ( ki ,   )
 
ke

 
k e  ki k e  ki ,  e   i

Absorption Spontaneous emission Stimulated emission

 Basic Ideas

 
( ki ,   ) ( ki ,   )
 
ke

 
k e  ki k e  ki ,  e   i

Absorption Spontaneous emission Stimulated emission

 Basic Ideas

 
( ki ,   ) ( ki ,   )
 
ke

 
k e  ki k e  ki ,  e   i

Absorption Spontaneous emission Stimulated emission

 Population inversion
Mirror Mirror
Ef

Ei
Mirror Spontaneous emission
Mirror
Ef

( k ,  )
Ei
 Stimulated emission
Mirror Mirror
Ef

( k ,  )
Ei
 Feed-back by the cavity
Mirror Mirror
Ef


(k ,  ) Ei
 Stimulated emission
Mirror Mirror
Ef

Ei

( k ,  )
 Feed-back by the cavity
Mirror Mirror
Ef

Ei

( k ,  )
 After several round trips…

Mirror Mirror
Ef
…..
Ei 
( k ,  )
Laser beam
Photons with:
- same energy : Temporal coherence
- same direction of propagation : Spatial coherence
 After several round trips…

Mirror Mirror
Ef

Ei 
( k ,  )
Laser beam
Photons with:
- same energy : Temporal coherence
- same direction of propagation : Spatial coherence
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation

Optical cavity (Resonator)

Active medium

External medium
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation

Optical cavity (Resonator)

Active medium

External medium
Pumping process
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation

Optical cavity (Resonator)

Active medium
- Population inversion
- Amplification by stimulated emission

External medium
Pumping process
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation

Optical cavity (Resonator)

- Feed-back
- Spectral and spatial shape

Active medium
- Population inversion
- Amplification by stimulated emission

External medium
Pumping process
 Some properties…

Laser Spectral
lamp
 (Spectral bandwidth ) CW: 10MHz (standard) 10GHz
20Hz

 (Solid angle) 107 st 4 st

µs (106 s )  fs (1015 s )
t ( Pulse duration ) 3.5 fs CW
P ( Average power ) P : mW  few W
E pulse CW :100 kW few hundred W
Ppeak ( Peak power ) 
t Ppeak : MW (106W )  100 TW (1014W )

P CW : kW  MW / cm 2 kW/cm2
I ( Intensity ) :
S Pulsed :1022 W / cm 2 !!!
2- Optical cavity
 Transfer matrix
x

nent . nexit
Optical
system
Optical
axis
 Transfer matrix
x

nent . nexit
xent .
 ent . Optical
system
Optical
axis
 Transfer matrix
x

nent . nexit
xent . xexit
 ent . Optical  exit
system
Optical
axis
 Transfer matrix
x

nent . nexit
xent . xexit
 ent . Optical  exit
system
Optical
axis

In the paraxial approximation  ent ,  exit  1

 xexit   xent . 
  M 
n 
 exit exit  n 
 ent . ent . 

A B
M   : transfer matrix , det M  1
C D 
 Some examples
Free propagation
1 d 
 
0 d
z 0 1 
mirror
 1 0
 
  2
z 1 
 R 
………………..
M1 M2 …. Mn M = Mn......M2M1
z
 Geometric stability

Stable Unstable

M
Condition: 0  Tr 1
2
 Geometric stability

R1 R2 L
0  g1 g2  1, gi  1 
Ri
L
 Geometric stability

R1 R2 L
0  g1 g2  1, gi  1 
Ri
L
g1 g 2 = 1
g2

Unstable Unstable
1
-1
1 g1
-1

Unstable Unstable
 Geometric stability

R1 R2 L
0  g1 g2  1, gi  1 
Ri
L
g1 g 2 = 1
g2 Plan

Unstable
1
Unstable R1=R2= 
-1
1 g1
-1 confocal
concentric
Unstable Unstable
R1=R2= L
R1=R2= L/2
 Cavity Modes
 i  kz  t 
E( r , t )  E e

Elementary solution of Maxwell equation in vacuum

 Cavity Modes
 i  kz  t 
E( r , t )   E ( ) e d

Arbitrary (plane-wave) solution of Maxwell equation in vacuum

 Cavity Modes
 i  kq z q t 
E( r , t )   Eq e
q
Arbitrary (plane-wave) solution of Maxwell equation in cavity

q : Define longitudinal modes

 Cavity Modes
  i kq z q t 
E( r , t )   Eq ( r ) e
q
Arbitrary solution of Maxwell equation in cavity

q : Define longitudinal modes


Eq ( r )  cte : beyond plane-wave approximation

y
z
 Cavity Modes
  trans   i  kq z q t 
E( r , t )     C pq E p ( r ) e
q  p 
Arbitrary solution of Maxwell equation in cavity

q : Define longitudinal modes


Eq ( r )  cte : beyond plane-wave approximation
trans 
E p ( r ) : Define transverse modes
y
z
 Cavity Modes
 i  kq z q t 
E( r , t )   C pq E p ( r ) e
trans

q p

Arbitrary solution of Maxwell equation in cavity

q : Define longitudinal modes


Eq ( r )  cte : beyond plane-wave approximation
trans 
E p ( r ) : Define transverse modes

Mode: elementary solution of Maxwell equation inside cavity

Complete basis set
 Transverse modes
  i t
Monochromatic wave:E( r , t )  E ( r ) e
 Transverse modes
  i t
Monochromatic wave:E( r , t )  E ( r ) e

E ( r ) : Solution of propagation equation
inside the cavity within the paraxial approximation
 E  E
2 2
E
 2  2ik
x 2
y z
 Transverse modes
  i t
Monochromatic wave: E( r , t )  E ( r ) e

E ( r ) : Solution of propagation equation
inside the cavity within the paraxial approximation
 E  E
2
E2
 2  2ik
x 2
y z
One possible solution: Gaussian beam
x2  y2
w0  w 2 ( z )  i ( x , y , z )
E ( x, y, z )  e e
w( z )
k  x2  y2   z 
 ( x , y , z )  kz   arctan  
2 R( z )  zR 
 Transverse modes
  i t
Monochromatic wave:E( r , t )  E ( r ) e

E ( r ) : Solution of propagation equation
inside the cavity within the paraxial approximation
 E  E
2
E2
 2  2ik
x 2
y z
One possible solution: Gaussian beam
x2  y2
w0  w 2 ( z )  i ( x , y , z )
E ( x, y, z )  e e
w( z )
k  x2  y2   z 
 ( x , y , z )  kz   arctan  
2 R( z )  zR 
Condition: cavity is stable
FUNDAMENTAL MODE: GAUSSIAN BEAM

1/e2
of I Z AXIS



2 x2  y2 
w2 ( z )
I  I0 ( z ) e
FUNDAMENTAL MODE: GAUSSIAN BEAM
2 w0 , w0 : waist

1/e2
of I 0
Z AXIS

Z=0 plane wave



2 x2  y2 
w2 ( z )
I  I0 ( z ) e
FUNDAMENTAL MODE: GAUSSIAN BEAM
2 2w0
zR
1/e2
of I Z AXIS



2 x2  y2 
w2 ( z )
I  I0 ( z ) e

 w02
zR  : Rayleigh length

 FUNDAMENTAL MODE: GAUSSIAN BEAM

1/e2 R( z )
of I Z AXIS

w( z )

 w02  z R2  z R2
zR  : Rayleigh length R ( z )  z 1  2  , w( z )  w0 1  2
  z  z
FUNDAMENTAL MODE: GAUSSIAN BEAM
2 w0 ,
zR
1/e2
of I 
Z AXIS

2 w0 2
  : divergence
zR  w0
ex :   0.5 µm , w0  33 µm   1 mrad
 Z AXIS

Everything depends on the waist

How to get w0 and z=0 in a cavity ??

R1 R2

z1 z2

In a cavity: The wavefront adapts

to the shape of the mirors
( stability)
R1  R( z1 ) ; R2  R( z2 )
 High order modes
Solutions : Hermite-gauss beams (a complete basis set)
x2  y2
w0  2x   2y  
w2 ( z )  im ,n ( x , y , z )
Em ,n ( x , y , z )  H m   H n   e e
w( z )  w( z )   w( z ) 
k  x2  y2   z 
m ,n ( x , y , z )  kz   ( m  n  1)arctan  
2 R( z )  zR 
 High order modes
Solutions : Hermite-gauss beams (a complete basis set)
x2  y2
w0  2x   2y  
w2 ( z )  im ,n ( x , y , z )
Em ,n ( x , y , z )  H m   H n   e e
w( z )  w( z )   w( z ) 
k  x2  y2   z 
m ,n ( x , y , z )  kz   ( m  n  1)arctan  
2 R( z )  zR 

y
TEMm,n
x
Nodes in x,y
 Longitudinal modes
Condition of resonance :

round trip  0  2q

L
 Longitudinal modes
Condition of resonance :

round trip  0  2q

L

ikz
2kL  2 q (q : integer)
E p e
c c
 q =c/ =q
2L 2L

………

 Longitudinal modes
Condition of resonance :

round trip  0  2q

L

ikz
2kL  2 q (q : integer)
E p e
c c
 q =c/ =q
2L 2L

………


In fact, E p : TEM n ,m  mnq 

c 
q
2 L  

1
( m  n  1) ar 
cos  g . g
1 2 


Cavity losses
Cavity losses

transmission
 Cavity losses
Diffusion, Spont.emission
 Cavity losses

absorption
 Cavity losses

diffraction
 Cavity losses
Diffusion, Spont.emission
diffraction

transmission

absorption

I ( t )  I 0 e  t /  P , P : photon lifetime
 Cavity losses
Diffusion, Spont.emission
diffraction

transmission

absorption

I ( t )  I 0 e  t /  P , P : photon lifetime

Consequence: broadenning of the longitudinal modes

1 P

 
3- Energetic model
of the Interaction
 1- Evolution of populations
Two-level open system
Absorption
2
W12 ( s 1 )

1
dN 2
 W12 N1  W21 N 2  2 N 2  
dt
dN1
 W12 N1  W21 N 2  1 N1  A21 N 2
dt
 1- Evolution of populations

Absorption Stimulated emission

2
W12 ( s 1 ) W21 ( s 1 )

1
dN 2
 W12 N1  W21 N 2  2 N 2  
dt
dN1
 W12 N1  W21 N 2  1 N1  A21 N 2
dt
 1- Evolution of populations

Absorption Stimulated emission Relaxation

2
1
W12 ( s ) 1
W21 ( s ) A21 ( s 1 )
 2 ( s 1 )  A21 ( s 1 )
1
1 ( s 1 )
dN 2
 W12 N1  W21 N 2  2 N 2  
dt
dN1
 W12 N1  W21 N 2  1 N1  A21 N 2
dt
 1- Evolution of populations
Pumping

Absorption Stimulated emission Relaxation  ( s 1 )

2
W12 ( s 1 ) W21 ( s 1 ) A21 ( s 1 )
 2 ( s 1 )  A21 ( s 1 )
1
1 ( s 1 )
dN 2
 W12 N1  W21 N 2  2 N 2  
dt
dN1
 W12 N1  W21 N 2  1 N1  A21 N 2
dt
Rate equations
 1- Evolution of populations
Pumping

Absorption Stimulated emission Relaxation  ( s 1 )

2
W12 ( s 1 ) W21 ( s 1 ) A21 ( s 1 )
 2 ( s 1 )  A21 ( s 1 )
1
1 ( s 1 )
dN 2
 W12 N1  W21 N 2  2 N 2  
dt
dN1
 W12 N1  W21 N 2  1 N1  A21 N 2
dt
Rate equations
W12  W21   I /  ,  : cross section, I : Intensity
 2- Evolution of Intensity
2
W21 ( s 1 )
W12 ( s 1 )

1
Energy variation  dI
( J m 3 s 1 )   W21 N 2    W12 N1  
 dz

Stimulated emission Absorption

dI
dz
  I  N 2  N1  0 if N 2  N1 : Population

(amplification) inversion
 2- Evolution of Intensity
2
W21 ( s 1 )
W12 ( s 1 )

1
Energy variation  dI
( J m 3 s 1 )   W21 N 2    W12 N1  
 dz

Stimulated emission Absorption

dI
dz
  I  N 2  N1  0 if N 2  N1 : Population

(amplification) inversion
 Inversion of population ?
In a CLOSED two-level system, an incoherent
excitation can never accomplish population inversion

1
N2
1/2

Arb. parameter
 Solution : More levels

FOUR LEVEL SYSTEM

 Solution : More levels

pumping
3

0
 Solution : More levels

3 fast relaxation
2

0
 Solution : More levels

2 Inversion of population
Laser transition
1

0
 Solution : More levels

2
Spontanous A21
emission 1

0
 Solution : More levels

2
A21
1

0 relaxation 10

CONDITION: 10  A21

 Solution : More levels
Three level system

2
A21 Laser transition
1

relaxation 10
0

CONDITION: 10  A21

 Solution : More levels
Three level system

3
fast relaxation
WP 2
Laser transition
A21

CONDITION: W P  A21
4- Laser Oscillation
(CW laser)
 Amplifier in an optical cavity

Active medium

Gain
 dI
    N 2  N1  I
dz

 dN 2
   I ( N1  N 2 )   2 N 2    0
 dt
 dN1
 dt   I ( N1  N 2 )  1 N1  A21 N 2  0

 Amplifier in an optical cavity

Active medium

 dI
    N 2  N1  I   I
dz
 Losses<0
 dN 2
   I ( N1  N 2 )   2 N 2    0 (spread)
 dt
 dN1
 dt   I ( N1  N 2 )  1 N1  A21 N 2  0

Laser equations
N 2  N1  0 : Not sufficient!

Gain must overcome the losses

N 2  N1  0 : Not sufficient!

Gain must overcome the losses

Laser works (Stationnary regime):

dN1 dN 2
  0;   N 2  N1    ;
dt dt
Gain = losses
Photons created on a round trip =
photons lost on a round trip
  N 0
 N 
I
Laser equations  1
IS

   N 0 
 I   I S 1 
   
  A21 
N 0  1   : maximal population inversion
2  1 
  1 1 A21 
IS      : saturation intensity
  1  2 1 2 
  N 0
 N 
I
Laser equations  1
IS

   N 0 
 I   I S 1 
   
  A21 
N 0  1   : maximal population inversion
2  1 
  1 1 A21 
IS      : saturation intensity
  1  2 1 2 

Two regimes:
 
 Threshold regime : I  I s , N N 0    : laser oscillation condition

Gain saturation regime : I  I , N  N 0    : decreases when intensity


S
1
I 
 IS
 increases !!
 Stimulated emission

Pumping Losses
 Stimulated emission

Increases
the gain (Pop. Inv)

Pumping Losses
 Stimulated emission

Increases Decreases
the gain the gain

Pumping Losses
 Stimulated emission

Increases Decreases
the gain the gain

equilibrium
Pumping Losses
Fixes the laser
intensity
5- Laser frequency
2

0

1
 Frequency 

 21
2
 ( )

0
Spectral line
1
 Frequency 

 21
c
2 2L
Gain
 ( )N 0
0 cavity modes

Spectral line
1
 Frequency 

c
2 2L
Gain
 ( )N 0
0 cavity modes

1 Losses
 Frequency 
Possible laser
frequencies

c
2 2L
Gain
 ( )N 0
0 cavity modes

1 Losses
 travelling wave Spatial stationnary wave

Ring laser Linear

laser

Homogenous Monomode Multimode

linewidth

Inhomogenous Multimode Multimode

linewidth
6- Pulsed regime
(summary)
Relaxation regime:
µs pulses (10-6 s)

Q-switch regime :
Nanosecond pulses (10-9s)

Mode-locking Regime:
Picosecond (10-12 s) and
femtosecond pulses (10-15 s)
 Bibliography
• -YARIV: "Quantum Electronics" (Willey interscience
1975)
• - RABIN&TANG: "Quantum Electronics" (Academic
Press 1975)
• - A.E. SIEGMAN: "Lasers" (University Science Books
1986)
• - P.W. MILONNI & J.H. EBERLY "Lasers" (John
Wiley & Sons 1988)
• - - M. SARGENT III, M.O. SCULLY, W.E.
LAMB,Jr. :"Laser Physics" (Addison-Wesley Publishing
Company 1974)
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