First-order corrections to the rotating-wave approximation in the Jaynes-Cummings model

The Jaynes-Cummings model without the rotating-wave approximation can be solved exactly by an extended Swain ansatz with conserved parity. Analytical approximations are then performed at different levels. The well-known rotating-wave approximation (RWA) is naturally covered in the present zeroth- and first-order approximations. A first-order correction to the RWA can be obtained in a second-order approximation, by which the effect of the counter-rotating-wave term emerges clearly. Concise analytical expressions are given explicitly and can be applicable up to the ultrastrong-coupling regime. A preliminary application to vacuum Rabi splitting is shown to be very successful.