What is the equation for saturation intensity in terms of input intensity?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between input intensity and saturation intensity in the context of laser amplifiers. Participants explore the effects of input intensity on gain and derive relevant expressions related to saturation intensity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the dependence of gain on input intensity and attempt to derive the expression for saturation intensity. There are inquiries about the implications of different conditions on the derived equations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the derivation process and suggested building equations that relate output intensity, input intensity, and distance. There is an acknowledgment of the need to reconsider certain approximations, and some participants express appreciation for guidance on the final parts of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are indications that assumptions and approximations are being questioned, particularly regarding the conditions under which the derived equations hold true. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to clarify the relationships involved without reaching a definitive conclusion.

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Homework Statement


[/B]
(a) Why does input intensity affect gain?
(b) Derive the expression
(c) Find saturation intensity in terms of input intensity
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Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



Part(a)
Consider a narrow band radiation as an input, where its bandwidth is much smaller than the spectral with of transitions, so in general
\frac{dN_2}{dt} = S_2 - (N_2B_{21}-N_1B_{12}) \int g_H(\omega - \omega_0) \rho(\omega) d\omega + \cdots
= S_2 - N^{*} \int B_{21} g_H(\omega - \omega_0)\rho(\omega) d\omega + \cdots
= S_2 - N^{*}\sigma_{21}(\omega_L - \omega_0) \frac{I}{\hbar \omega_L}

Thus, we see that rates depend on input intensity ##I_T##, which influences the gain on a laser amplifier when we solve for the steady state solutions.

Part(b)
Bookwork. Managed to derive it.
\alpha(\omega) = \frac{\alpha_0(\omega)}{1 + \frac{I}{I_{sat}}}
where saturation intensity is ## I_{sat} = \frac{\hbar \omega_L}{\sigma_{21} \tau_R}## and relaxation time is ##\tau_R = \tau_2 + \frac{g_2}{g_1} \tau_1 (1- \tau_2A_{21})##.

Part(c)
The equation for intensity is given by
\frac{dI}{dz} = \alpha I = \frac{\alpha_0}{1 + \frac{I}{I_{sat}}}I
which may be integrated to give
ln \left( \frac{I(z)}{I_{(0)}} \right) + \frac{I_{(z)} - I_{(0)}}{I_{sat}} = \alpha_0 z

At low intensity where ##I_{(z)} << I_{sat}##, the equation becomes ##I_{(z)} = I_{(0)} = e^{\alpha_0 z}##.
At high intensity where ##I_{(z)} \approx I_{(0)}##, the equation becomes ##I_{(z)} = I_{(0)} + \alpha_0 I_{sat} z##.

Thus initially the beam intensity is weak, then it becomes strong, so
e^{\alpha_0 z} = 100
200I_0 = \alpha_0 I_{sat}z
 
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bumpp
 
would appreciate any input on the last bit, many thanks in advance!
 
bumpp
 
bumpp on last part
 
bumpp
 
bumpp
 
For part (c) build two different equations, each of which relates the output intensity, input intensity, and distance (hint: you have derived this equation). Then to each one of them, input the different conditions, one is for after traveling the first amplifier and the other after traveling both amplifiers. It's then straightforward to derive the expression for the saturation intensity in term of only input intensity.
 
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blue_leaf77 said:
For part (c) build two different equations, each of which relates the output intensity, input intensity, and distance (hint: you have derived this equation). Then to each one of them, input the different conditions, one is for after traveling the first amplifier and the other after traveling both amplifieTrs. It's then straightforward to derive the expression for the saturation intensity in term of only input intensity.

You absolutely right. I have been making unnecessary approximations. Solved this question.
 

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