We investigate theoretically the phenomenon of slow light in a cold sample of open three-level atoms interacting with the two light fields in the A configuration. We consider a cold atomic sample geometry such that the photon reabsorption is greatly reduced, and therefore the medium properties are determined by the single atom response. The dynamics of the slow propagating light pulse is examined, and the typical length scales for the propagation derived. We demonstrate that STIRAP is the mechanism behind the slow-light phenomenon. Furthermore, in the considered geometry a significant occupation of the excited state in the early phase of the propagation does not necessarily imply a decay of the ground-state coherence, and therefore does not inhibit the slow-light formation. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Dynamics of slow-light formation
2002-01-01
Abstract
We investigate theoretically the phenomenon of slow light in a cold sample of open three-level atoms interacting with the two light fields in the A configuration. We consider a cold atomic sample geometry such that the photon reabsorption is greatly reduced, and therefore the medium properties are determined by the single atom response. The dynamics of the slow propagating light pulse is examined, and the typical length scales for the propagation derived. We demonstrate that STIRAP is the mechanism behind the slow-light phenomenon. Furthermore, in the considered geometry a significant occupation of the excited state in the early phase of the propagation does not necessarily imply a decay of the ground-state coherence, and therefore does not inhibit the slow-light formation. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
