Wideband pulse propagation: single-field and multi-field approaches to Raman interactions

We model the process of ultra broadband light generation in which a pair of laser pulses separated by the Raman frequency drive a Raman transition. In contrast to the usual approach using separate field envelopes for the different frequency components, we treat the field as a single entity. This requires the inclusion of few-cycle corrections to the pulse propagation. Our single-field model makes fewer approximations and is mathematically (and hence computationally) simpler, although it does require greater computational resources to implement. The single-field theory reduces to the traditional multi-field one using appropriate approximations.Comment: 6 pages, two 3-part figure

Characterisation of the dynamical quantum state of a zero temperature Bose-Einstein condensate

We describe the quantum state of a Bose-Einstein condensate at zero temperature. By evaluating the Q-function we show that the ground state of Bose-Einstein condensate under the Hartree approximation is squeezed. We find that multimode Schroedinger cat states are generated as the condensate evolves in a ballistic expansion.Comment: 13 pages, 6 figure

Optical carrier wave shocking: detection and dispersion

Carrier wave shocking is studied using the Pseudo-Spectral Spatial Domain (PSSD) technique. We describe the shock detection diagnostics necessary for this numerical study, and verify them against theoretical shocking predictions for the dispersionless case. These predictions show Carrier Envelope Phase (CEP) and pulse bandwidth sensitivity in the single-cycle regime. The flexible dispersion management offered by PSSD enables us to independently control the linear and nonlinear dispersion. Customized dispersion profiles allow us to analyze the development of both carrier self-steepening and shocks. The results exhibit a marked asymmetry between normal and anomalous dispersion, both in the limits of the shocking regime and in the (near) shocked pulse waveforms. Combining these insights, we offer some suggestions on how carrier shocking (or at least extreme self-steepening) might be realised experimentally.Comment: 9 page

Kaleidoscope laser

We report the first calculations of mode patterns of unstable-cavity lasers with truly two-dimensional transverse geometries. A detailed account of numerical techniques, incorporating a nonorthogonal beam-propagation method, and results for cavities with a range of transverse symmetries, such as regular polygonal and rhomboid, are presented. In view of the beautiful complexity of the eigenmodes predicted, a novel kaleidoscope laser is proposed

Ultrabroad-bandwidth multifrequency Raman generation

We report on the modeling of transient stimulated rotational Raman scattering in H2 gas. We predict a multifrequency output, spanning a bandwidth greater than the pump frequency, that may be generated without any significant delay with respect to the pump pulses. The roles of dispersion and transiency are quantified