Continuous System-Level Scale for Comparing Laser Gain Media

Abstract : Several quantities are proposed for facilitating a quantitative comparison of laser gain media, operating temperatures, pump, and laser wavelengths. They are based on the occupation probability of absorbing and emitting pump and laser levels. The "system level," l, has a numerical value coinciding with conventional usage of the terms two-, three-, and four-level systems. The "occupation factor" has a value from -1 to +1, and is appropriate for describing an optical amplifier in the small signal regime. It also ranges from -1 to +1, and is appropriate for describing an optical amplifier in the small signal regime.