Local bifurcations of a three-level optically pumped laser

We report on a linear-stability analysis of a three-level, resonantly optically pumped, homogeneously broadened, single-mode laser. We identify the relatively simple nature of the local bifurcations on the nonlasing branch comprising pitchfork, Hopf, and codimension-2 bifurcations. Their use is demonstrated in identifying regions of parameter space in which we may expect steady, periodic, and more complex dynamical behavior.