Dressed states analysis of lasing without inversion in a three-level ladder system: The steady-state regime

A dressed-state study of lasing without population inversion from a three-level atom interacting with a bi-chromatic laser field in the ladder configuration is presented. In our model we allow the atom to be dressed by both of the coupling and probe fields. The system under consideration is explored both analytically and numerically within the steady-state regime. A parameter study is performed in which we explore the influence of the change of control parameters (Rabi frequencies and incoherent pump rates, etc) on the system behaviour. The parameter study also applies to situations where both coherent fields have comparable intensities. Expressions for steady-state populations and coherences are derived, from which the constraints on the system control parameters allowing gain or absorption of various types, are calculated. The system is demonstrated to possess gain without inversion (GWI), as well as regular gain with inversion, for the appropriate choice of system control parameters. Inversion without lasing (IWL) is also found. The dressed-state approach offers a different insight into the system dynamics in which Rabi oscillations and spectral features appear natural. We believe that the dressed-state approach provides a more adequate description of the system dynamics than that provided by the bare state basis.