Generalized Einstein B coefficients for coherently driven three-level systems

Generalized Einstein B coefficients for coherently driven closed three-level systems are introduced by means of the quantum-jump technique. The nonreciprocity between stimulated emission and absorption for both one-photon and two-photon gain and loss processes has been studied and quantified in terms of the rates of the particular incoherent processes present in each three-level system. Some general properties of these generalized Einstein B coefficients have been found. In particular, whenever the generalized Einstein B coefficient for one-photon gain overcomes that for one-photon loss then the generalized Einstein B coefficient for two-photon loss overcomes that for two-photon gain, and vice versa. Finally, we have obtained simple analytical expressions indicating the way to maximize the asymmetry between stimulated emission and absorption coefficients either for one-photon or for two-photon processes. © 2001 The American Physical Society.