Abstract

The domain of the third-order theory of the single-mode laser is usually defined by the condition nB/A ≪ 1, where n is the photon number in the cavity, and A and B are the gain and saturation coefficients. When the laser cavity is detuned from line center by Δω ≡ ηγ, where γ is the natural linewidth of the atomic transition, A and B change in the prescribed manner given by the Lamb theory, and it is usually taken for granted that the theory is valid both for small and large detunings η. By examining the relationships between various parameters we show that the limits on the domain of the third-order laser theory effectively limit the allowed detuning in many common lasers to one natural linewidth (η ≈ 1).

© 1987 Optical Society of America