Abstract

We have shown that single-mode homogeneously broadened Raman lasers, which are equivalent to far off-resonantly pumped three-level lasers, are mathematically reducible to a simple description similar to that for a detuned two-level laser.¹ The Raman system is, however, physically quite distinct, involving a two- photon, rather than a one-photon interaction between levels in a non-inverted rather than inverted state. Significantly, these differences lead to considerably relaxed operation conditions for the emergence of instabilities compared with those for the two-level laser.

© 1991 Optical Society of America