Theory of two-photon absorption and emission second-order saturation effect

A simplified theory of small-signal two-photon absorption is developed, based on the solution of rate equations involving an infinitely short-living intimediate state. It is shown that in a first approximation this theory leads to results identical to those obtained using second-order perturbation techniques. Moreover, the present approach leads to a built-in saturation effect at high intensities depending on the parameters of the laser and of the absorbing medium. An analysis expression is given for the intensity dependent saturation.