In this work we analyze the collective behavior of a large number of two-le
vel atoms confined in a cavity of a given volume V as they are manipulated
with classical electromagnetic fields. We evaluate the temporal evolution o
f several observables like the intensity for spontaneous and stimulated emi
ssion, dispersion relations, and squeezing in the coherent states thus cons
tructed. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.