Abstract
An unexpected phenomenon emerges from the model equations governing single-mode homogeneously broadened lasers. We have identified conditions analytically under which the laser output can be made to switch from low to high (or high to low) intensity through a small variation in the parameters of the medium, for example, the pump rate. Our results are distinct from those involving transitions at a 'second laser threshold' to regions of testability, multistability and chaos1,2. The transition described here arises from the inclusion in our analysis of fluctuating forces in the medium3. A similar scheme can be used to describe a familiar transition in physics—the Curie–Weiss ferromagnetic transition.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Abraham, N. B. Lugiato, L. A. & Narducci, L. M. J. opt. Soc. Am. B2, 7–14 (1985).
Haken, H. Light vol. 2, Laser Light Dynamics (North Holland, Amsterdam, 1985).
Pike, E. R. & Sarkar, S. (eds) Frontiers in Quantum Optics (Hilger, New York,, 1986).
Sargent, M., Scully, M. & Lamb, W. Laser Physics (Addison Wesley, New York, 1974).
Haken, H. Synergetics (Springer, Berlin, 1983).
Abramowitz, M. & Stegun, I. A. Handbook of Mathematical Functions (Dover, New York, 1970).
Tabor, D. Gases, Liquids and Solids (Cambridge University Press, 1969).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hannay, J., Field, D. A laser transition based on fluctuations. Nature 333, 540–542 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1038/333540a0
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/333540a0
- Springer Nature Limited