Abstract

There is increasing interest in the photon statistics and spectroscopic properties of the radiation from atoms confined in an optical cavity. Effects such as the cavity enhancement and inhibition of spontaneous emission, which were first observed using microwave cavities, have recently been measured at optical frequencies.¹ Recent measurements of squeezing and the dynamic effects of single-quantum-level splittings also demonstrate the possibilities for quantum-statistical studies of coupled atom-cavity systems at optical frequencies.² We study a single two-level atom confined inside an optical cavity which is driven by coherent light in resonance with both cavity and atom. For weak driving field intensities we have calculated the spectrum of the light transmitted by the cavity and fluorescence out the sides of the cavity.

© 1987 Optical Society of America