Optical switching mediated by quantum interference of Raman transitions

Opt Express. 2008 Nov 10;16(23):19112-7. doi: 10.1364/oe.16.019112.

Abstract

We report an experimental study of quantum interference between two-photon Raman transitions and demonstration of the phase control of light attenuation/transmission in cold Rb atoms. By varying the phase and frequency of a weak control laser, either constructive interference or destructive interference between the two-photon Raman transitions in a three-level Lambda system can be manipulated. The interference enables absorptive switching of one field by another field at low light levels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Interferometry / instrumentation*
  • Optical Devices*
  • Quantum Theory
  • Refractometry / instrumentation*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation*
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman / instrumentation*