4A3 - Intensity fluctuations in the output of laser oscillators

Using population rate equations, we have calculated the intrinsic intensity fluctuations expected in the output of 3-level and 4-level CW laser oscillators. Such fluctuations stem from the quantum shot noise implicit in a restriction of the atomic and photon population-operator eigenvalues to discrete integral values (in the manner of Shimoda, Takahasi, and Townes). The intrinsic fluctuations below threshold are typical of a Gaussian distribution of field amplitudes (Bose-Einstein distribution of photons) and above threshold of an amplitude-stabilized field (Poisson distribution of photons). The noise properties of 3-level and 4-level lasers are qualitatively similar, although for a given output power the intensity fluctuations of 3-level oscillators are greater than (or equal to) those in 4-level oscillators, principally as a consequence of the increased spontaneous emission associated with the larger upper-state occupation necessary to achieve a net gain in 3-level systems.