Vibrational resonance in a driven two-level quantum system, linear and nonlinear response

We consider a two-level quantum system interacting with two classical time-periodic electromagnetic fields. The frequency of one of the fields far exceeds that of the other. The effect of the high-frequency field can be averaged out of the dynamics to realize an effective transition frequency of the field-dressed two-level system. We examine the linear response, second harmonic response and Stokes and anti-Stokes Raman response of the dressed two-level system, to the weak frequency field. The vibrational resonance enhancement in each case is demonstrated for optimal strength of the high-frequency field. Our theoretical scheme is corroborated by full numerical simulation of the two-level, two-field dynamics governed by loss-free Bloch equations. We suggest that quantum optics can offer an interesting arena for the study of the vibrational resonance. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Vibrational and stochastic resonance in driven nonlinear systems (part 1)’.