Nonlinear dynamics in a single mode three-level laser without inversion

We characterize analytically the nature of the lasing solutions of a laser operating without population inversion. We consider models involving three-level media interacting with a strong driving held and a lasing field in the vicinity of the lasing threshold. We assess the influence of different relaxation and pumping schemes on the dynamics of these lasers. We use the atom-field detuning, the cavity detuning, and the linear gain as bifurcation parameters. Depending on their values, the stable lasing solution is shown to be cw or self-pulsing. We show that the optimal lasing operation is achieved if both the driving held frequency and the cavity frequency are out of resonance with the atomic frequencies. Physically, the lasing regimes arise from nonlinearly interacting sidebands induced in the lasing medium by atomic interference. [S1063-651X(98)07201-8].