Abstract
Large scale quasi-trapping of Gaussian beams in a two-level-atom medium is displayed. The well-known ray theory provides a condition for the possibility of quasi-straight ray paths only in the case of a strongly saturated medium. For weak saturation, the ray paths can never be quasi-straight lines; the beam necessarily undergoes reshaping, as emphasized by Wagner, et al. [ Phys. Rev. 175, 256 ( 1968)]. Nevertheless, the moment theory displays a quasi-constant mean-radius condition that gives rise to fairly good trapping. These conditions are supported by numerical simulations. Quasi-trappings are displayed over many tens of Rayleigh lengths. Experiments, such as conical emission, that might involve trapping are discussed.
© 1985 Optical Society of America
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