Coherent Nonlinear Optics Recent Advances [Paperback]

1. Coherent Nonlinear Optics.- 1.1 Introductory Comments.- References.- 2. Superradiance.- 2.1 Background Material.- 2.2 Physical Principles.- 2.3 Theoretical Treatments.- 2.3.1 Initiation of Superradiance: Quantized Field Treatment.- 2.3.2 Semiclassical Theory.- 2.4 Results of the Theory.- 2.4.1 Superradiance in the Ideal Limit.- 2.4.2 Influence of Quantum Fluctuations.- 2.4.3 Deviations from Ideal Behavior.- Finite Inversion Time.- Uniform Inversion: Cooperation Length.- Decay and Dephasing Times.- Feedback Initial Polarization.- Initial Polarization.- 2.4.4 Further Discussion of the Basic Assumptions.- Neglect of Interaction of Forward and Backward Waves.- Limitations of the Plane Wave Approximation.- 2.4.5 Point Sample Superradiance.- 2.5 Relation to Other Coherent Phenomena.- 2.5.1 Limited Superradiance.- 2.5.2 Transient Phenomena in Optically Thick Media.- 2.5.3 Stimulated and Superradiant Emission.- 2.6 Experiments.- 2.6.1 Experimental Observation of Superradiance.- 2.6.2 Recent Experimental Results.- 2.6.3 Comparison with Theory.- 2.7 Concluding Remarks.- 2.7.1 Applications.- 2.7.2 Summary.- References.- 3. Coherence in High Resolution Spectroscopy.- 3.1 Coherent Phenomena in Resonant Processes.- 3.2 Coherent Phenomena in Saturated Absorption Spectroscopy.- 3.2.1 Standing Wave.- 3.2.2 Probe Wave Resonances.- Oppositely Traveling Waves.- Unidirectional Waves.- High-Frequency Stark Effect on Doppler Broadened Transitions.- Spectroscopic Applications. Measurement of Relaxation Constants.- Study of Level Structures and Separation of Weak Lines.- Optical Instability. Generation Stability.- Recoil Effect.- 3.2.3 Influence of Collisions on Coherent Processes.- Study of Relaxation Processes.- Dipole Scattering.- Influence of the Elastic Scattering Without Phase Randomization on Resonance Characteristics.- 3.3 Coherent Phenomena in Multilevel Systems.- 3.3.1 Resonant Processes in Three-Level Systems.- 3.3.2 Two-Photon Resonances.- 3.3.3 Relation to Other Phenomena.- l“+