Abstract

In recent years the modification of the radiative properties of an atom by altering the surrounding environment has been the subject of intense theoretical and experimental study.¹ An example is the ability to increase or decrease the spontaneous-emission rate of an atom by placing it in an optical cavity. Recent work has suggested that the performance of some lasers can be enhanced by using these effects, resulting in a device with improved operating characteristics.² For example, the possible suppression of spontaneous emission into all but a single privileged lasing mode is predicted to lead to lasing action at extremely small pump powers.

© 1993 Optical Society of America