Title :
Fundamental thermodynamic limit of laser efficiency
Author :
Pau, Stanley ; Björk, Gunnar ; Jacobson, Joseph ; Yamamoto, Yoshihisa
Author_Institution :
Edward L. Ginzton Lab., Stanford Univ., CA, USA
fDate :
3/1/1996 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
The thermodynamic limits on the efficiency of different types of lasers are calculated both classically and quantum mechanically. In the classical case, the limit is derived from the inequality provided by the population inversion. In the quantum mechanical case, the limit is derived from the inequality of the change of entropy. The Shannon and von Neuman entropies of different light states are worked out
Keywords :
entropy; laser theory; population inversion; quantum optics; Shannon entropies; change of entropy; classical case; fundamental thermodynamic limit; inequality; laser efficiency; laser theory; light states; population inversion; quantum mechanical case; quantum mechanically; von Neuman entropies; Entropy; Free electron lasers; Heat engines; Heat pumps; Laser excitation; Laser modes; Pump lasers; Semiconductor lasers; Temperature; Thermodynamics;
Journal_Title :
Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
