Amplification of nonchromatic radiation polarized in a linear fashion by an atomic system with two degenerated levels

Level degeneration is taken into account within the framework of the Bloch-Maxwell equations. The state of an ion with two degenerated levels in which the polarization vector is aligned with the macroscopic electric field vector is elucidated. The ion can be amplified without modifying its direction. Reasons for the disadvantage of J equal to O leading to J prime equal to 1 transitions as compared to J equal to 2 leading to J prime equal to 1 transitions, are derived.