Nonlinear spectroscopy in a high-power Markov field (Review)

A survey is presented on a promising area of statistical resonant nonlinear optics, based on the use of a random Markov field model. This model describes sufficiently accurately the statistical properties of the emission of various types of lasers: pulsed partially mode-locked lasers, stabilized gas lasers, dye lasers, and parametric oscillators. Particular consideration is given to the optically induced relaxation of a two-level system in a stochastic field; the spectral structure of the absorption of a Markov field; the absorption spectrum of test radiation during the excitation of a two-level system by a high-power noise field; and the resonance generation of harmonics during multiphoton excitation by a stochastic Markov field. Resonance fluorescence spectroscopy and the dynamic Stark effect are also examined. It is concluded that the present results can be used in nonlinear-optics experiments concerning frequency conversion in the IR and UV regions using tunable wide-band pumping sources, as well as in research and development on X-ray and gamma-ray lasers.