Entropy evolution of the field interacting with a quasi-Λ-type four-level atom

Abstract

The evolution of the field (atomic) entropy in a system of a quasi_Λ_type fourlevel atom interacting with an uncoupled two_mode coherent field is investigated. The effects of initial atomic state, the initial mean photon number and the splitting of the atomic energy levels on the entropy are discussed. The system reduces to that of a twolevel or threelevel atom interacting with a singlemode coherent field in special cases.