Calculating the Cross Section for a Laser's Transition Rate Equations

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the cross section (σ) for a laser's transition rate equations under single mode operation, specifically considering lifetime broadening due to A21 and A1. The rate equations provided are: dot{N_2}=P-\Phi\sigma(N_2-N_1)-A_{21}N_2, dot{N_1}=\Phi\sigma(N_2-N_1)+A_{21}N_2-A_1N_1, and dot{\Phi}=\Phi \frac{c}{2d}[ln(R_1R_2+2l\sigma(N_2-N_1)]. The cross section is expressed as \sigma = \frac{\lambda^2}{\pi}\frac{A_{21}}{A_{21}+A_{2L}+A_{1L}}, and the user ultimately resolved their issue by locating the cross section value in their materials.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of laser physics and single mode operation
  • Familiarity with rate equations in quantum mechanics
  • Knowledge of spontaneous and stimulated emission processes
  • Basic grasp of the relationship between wavelength, frequency, and transition probabilities
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the cross section in laser physics
  • Learn about the significance of A coefficients in transition rates
  • Explore the impact of pump rates on atomic density in lasers
  • Investigate the role of spontaneous emission in laser operation
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Students and researchers in laser physics, optical engineers, and anyone involved in the design and analysis of laser systems.

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Homework Statement


For a laser, assume single mode operation, only lifetime broadening due to A21 and A1. Write out the rate equations for the atomic densitions N1 and N2 and the flux \Phi.

Then there's a diagram where there's 2 stats. Pump rate is P, stimulated emission between 1 and 2 is allowed, and spontaneous emission from 1 to 2 and from 1 to the reservoir.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



Below are the rate equations as I have them. My issue is that I don't know how to get the cross section (σ). I can't find it in the book. The example from class was the same as before, but spontaneous decay could happen from both states 2 and 1, and the pump went into both states also. For that case it was \sigma = \frac{\lambda^2}{\pi}\frac{A_{21}}{A_{21}+A_{2L}+A_{1L}}.

Rate equations:
\dot{N_2}=P-\Phi\sigma(N_2-N_1)-A_{21}N_2
\dot{N_1}=\Phi\sigma(N_2-N_1)+A_{21}N_2-A_1N_1
\dot{\Phi}=\Phi \frac{c}{2d}[ln(R_1R_2+2l\sigma(N_2-N_1)]EDIT: I'm not sure if it's clear, but I need cross section in terms of wavelength/frequency and the A coefficients, as those are filled in later with actual numbers.
 
Last edited:
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The cross section was actually given to me, and I just found it, so my problem is solved. I feel like this is something I should be able to figure out though, so if anyone can show how to I'd get to the solution, that'd be cool.
 

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