Abstract

We consider a three level system (ladder, lambda or vee) interacting with squeezed vacua in two different circumstances. In the first, the energy levels of the atomic system are unequally spaced, and it is illuminated with applied monochromatic light fields in which level |1> is coupled to levels |2> and |0> but levels |2> and |0> are not coupled to each other. In addition, the system interacts with two broad band squeezed vacua, one centred on each transition. A novel technique is used to investigate the properties of this system^[1]. We start from the Collett-Gardiner master equation, and derive exact rate equations for the populations of the system. These are easily written down and solved in the steady-state situation, giving the populations in terms of generalised transition rates. The dependence of the populations on the squeezing phases is discussed. It is found that a considerable degree of control can be exercised.

© 1992 IQEC