Two-photon gain without inversion vs. linear absorption in a three-level scheme

A three level scheme interacting with three laser fields is considered. It is found that two competing processes contribute to the absorption/dispersion on a particular transition: (i) one-photon processes governed by the field applied to that transition, and (ii) two-photon processes governed by the two laser fields applied to two other transitions. Interference between the two processes can be both constructive and destructive. It is shown that the net absorption/gain and dispersion can be controlled by the relative phases of the laser fields.