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Tutorial on laser linewidths

In this tutorial, the physical origins and mathematical analyses of laser linewidths are reviewed. The semi-classical model is based on an equation for the light-mode amplitude that includes random source terms, one term for each process that affects the amplitude (stimulated and spontaneous emission, stimulated absorption, and facet and material loss). Although the source terms are classical, their assigned strengths are consistent with the laws of quantum optics. Analysis of this equation shows that the laser linewidth is proportional to the sum of the (positive) source strengths for all gain and loss processes. Three-level and semiconductor lasers have broader linewidths than comparable four-level lasers, because stimulated absorption and the stimulated emission that compensates it both contribute to the linewidth.