Quantum Theory of the Two-Photon Mazer: General Theory and Emission Probability

The idea of the two-photon mazer (microwave amplification via z-motion-induced emission of radiation) is put forward. The dressed states for the interaction of a cascade three-level atom with a quantum cavity field are derived. The general quantum theory of the two-photon mazer is established and its emission probability is studied. The effects of the atomic c.m. momentum and of the atom-field detuning are examined. It is found that the two-photon mazer shows new features that differ from both the one-photon mazer and the conventional two-photon micromaser.