Incoherent control of optical signals: Quantum-heat-engine approach

Optical pump-probe signals can be viewed as work done by the matter while transferring energy between two coherent baths (from pump to probe). In thermodynamics a heat engine, such laser, is device which performs similar but operating thermal baths. We propose an "incoherent" control procedure for optical using physics of quantum engine. By combining laser excitation electronic excited state molecule with relaxation we introduce effective bath treating stimulated emission probe photons performed optimize power and efficiency signal parameters utilizing four level molecular model in strong weak coupling regime illustrating its equivalence thermodynamic cycle