Quantum theory of third-harmonic generation in a gaseous system - Part II

In Part I [1], we presented a quantum theory of third-harmonic generation (THG) under two-photon absorption in a two-level atomic medium. We studied the time evolution of the third-harmonic field and its coherence properties by neglecting the depletion of the pump power. In this paper we extend the theory by taking the depletion of pump power into account. The density matrix for the third-harmonic field is derived. The study of the growth rate of the density matrix in time shows the quantum mechanical effects more clearly. The effects of detuning in the two-photon interactions and atomic motion are pointed out. The results are compared with the earlier results and differences are brought out.