Abstract

Studies of quantum noise initiated stimulated Raman scattering in H₂ show that single shot Stokes spectra can be narrower than the quantum mechanical gain narrowed linewidth. The ensemble average of these single shot spectra, however, agrees quite well with the quantum mechanical prediction.¹ Additionally, the mean frequencies of near Fourier transform-limited shots have a narrower distribution than the distribution of means of the entire ensemble. We present evidence in support of these statements as well as presenting arguments that yield a qualitative understanding of these results.

© 1990 Optical Society of America