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Understanding Population Inversion in Lasers

Population inversion is a condition necessary for light amplification, characterized by a non-equilibrium distribution of atoms among energy levels. Achieving this inversion typically involves 'pumping' energy into the system, which can be done through various methods such as laser technologies or optical pumping. The document discusses different energy level systems and the processes involved in creating population inversion, including stimulated absorption and transitions between energy states.

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65 views12 pages

Understanding Population Inversion in Lasers

Population inversion is a condition necessary for light amplification, characterized by a non-equilibrium distribution of atoms among energy levels. Achieving this inversion typically involves 'pumping' energy into the system, which can be done through various methods such as laser technologies or optical pumping. The document discusses different energy level systems and the processes involved in creating population inversion, including stimulated absorption and transitions between energy states.

Uploaded by

ghantidebanjan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

POPUlATIONlNVE

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-What is Meant by Populationlnversion??

./ It is the condition required for light amplification.


./ Non-Equilibrium distribution of atoms among
various energy levels of the atomic system.
./ The Boltzmann distribution which
applies to the system in thermal equilibrium is.,
N . = gjN 0 exp (-Ej lkT)
1
Lg; exp(-E; l k T)
Where., Nj =Population Intensity of the
j1h energy level
If Ei increases Ni decreases with
constant tempurature
Populations oftwo level
energy systems

"At thermal equ ilibrium After population


!..
•
1 inversion 11as
been produced
Pumping
• If the energy difference between E 1 and E2 is equals to
kT(nearly 0.025eV at roo1n temp).
• Then the popu lation inversion of the upper level wou
ld be I/e(0.37) of that of the lower level.
• For large energy difference then visible radiation
wi ll be(2.0eV).tben popu lation of the upper level is
negligible.
• So to achieve popu lation inversion we need to supply
large an1ount of energy to excite atoms into E2.
This process n amed as "PUMPING".
Cont.
• This pwnping energy can be supplied by
using laser techno logies.
• Pumping produ ces the non-eqttilibrium
situation.
Attainment of population
• Main method usedinversion
to achieve this population
inversion is "stimulated absorption"
• The energy levels are pumped by intense
irradiation of the system.
• Assume g1 = g2 .then further absorption and
emissions are equal.(two level)
• For three level system proposed by
bloembergen. Initially it obeys boltzmann's law.
• If the collection of atoms is illumination the
electrons can be excited(i.e pumped) into E2 form E0 .
Cont.
• From E2 electrons decay by non-
radiative processes to the level E1 and
inversion created b/w E1 and E0 .
Population

Bohzn1ann distribution distribution after pumping


before pumping and the transitions
Cont.
• E2 to E1 =rapid transition.

• E1 to E0 =slow transition.(E1 is metastable


state)
• This will create the built-up of atoms in E1 then
population inversion achieved b/w E1 and E0 .
( N1 > No )
• Examples :ruby -requires very high pump
powers.
Four level system

Before pumping After pumping


Cont.
• It has less pumping requirements.

• If ( E1 - E0 ) is very large compare to kT then


populations at E1 , E2 and E3 are very small at
thermal equilibrium.
• If atoms pumped to E3 from ground state from
rapid transition occur to E2. population inversion
achieved b/w E2 and E1 .

• If lifetime is short between E3 -7 E2 and E1 -7 E0


are short population inversion maintained between
E2 &E1 .
Otherways to achieve
• Optical pumping pumping
• Electrical discharge or electron bombardment.
• The release of chemical energy.
• The passage of current.

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