Stochastic dynamics of atoms in a resonant light field in the quasi-classical approximation

The stochastic dynamics of atoms with degenerate energy levels in a resonant nonuniformly polarized laser field is considered within the framework of the quasi-classical approach. The regular force entering into the Langevin equation and the correlation function of a random force are represented in the form of expansions in spatial gradients of the total light field. Specific features of kinetic distributions that are caused by the multiplicative character of noise, by anisotropy of dissipative processes, and by the presence of a vortex component in the light-induced force are considered for the example of a model system and a two-dimensional field configuration. (C) 2004 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica."