This project focuses on the study of nonlinear optics with low power, cw lasers in situations where previously only high power, pulsed lasers could be used. Ultra-low-loss, high reflectivity mirrors will be used to construct a cw Raman laser at the mW level, and the quantum intensity noise of this new laser will be studied. The studies will probe the effects of (a) the quantum statistics of the cw Raman output, (b) the influence of the competition of the Stokes longitudinal modes, and (c) the population dynamics of the Raman medium and possible routes to chaos.
