Elements of Micromaser Physics

Abstract

The elements of micromaser physics are reviewed in a tutorial way. The emphasis is on the basic theoretical concepts, not on technical details or experimental subtleties. After a brief treatment of the atom-photon interaction according to the Jaynes-Cummings model, the master equation that governs the dynamics of the one-atom maser is derived. Then the more important properties of the steady states of the one-atom maser are discussed, including the trapped states. The approximations, upon which the standard theoretical model of the one-atom maser is based, are exhibited. The methods by which one calculates statistical properties of the emerging atoms are hinted at.

This is material prepared in 1994 for the proceedings of a conference which were never published. In response to public demand, I have decided to post the paper now, despite the delay. The text has not been updated, it is as written in 1994