  We investigate the quantum dynamics of a quantum oscillator coupled with the
most upper state of a three-level $\Lambda-$ type system. The two transitions
of the three-level emitter, possessing orthogonal dipole moments, are
coherently pumped with a single or two electromagnetic field sources,
respectively. We have found ranges for flexible lasing or cooling phenomena
referring to the quantum oscillator's degrees of freedom. This is due to
asymmetrical decay rates and quantum interference effects leading to population
transfer among the relevant dressed states of the emitter's subsystem with
which the quantum oscillator is coupled. As an appropriate system can be
considered a nanomechanical resonator coupled with the most excited state of
the three-level emitter fixed on it. Alternatively, if the upper state of the
$\Lambda-$type system possesses a permanent dipole then it can couple with a
cavity electromagnetic field mode which can be in the terahertz domain, for
instance. In the latter case, we demonstrate an effective electromagnetic field
source of terahertz photons.
