  We present the exact solution of the Richardson-Gaudin models associated with
the SU(3) Lie algebra. The derivation is based on a Gaudin algebra valid for
any simple Lie algebra in the rational, trigonometric and hyperbolic cases. For
the rational case additional cubic integrals of motion are obtained, whose
number is added to that of the quadratic ones to match, as required from the
integrability condition, the number of quantum degrees of freedom of the model.
We discuss different SU(3) physical representations and elucidate the meaning
of the parameters entering in the formalism. By considering a bosonic mapping
limit of one of the SU(3) copies, we derive new integrable models for three
level systems interacting with two bosons. These models include a generalized
Tavis-Cummings model for three level atoms interacting with two modes of the
quantized electric field.
