Electromagnetically induced transparency: Propagation dynamics

Conference · Fri Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:126839

Harris, S E; Kasapi, A; Jain, M ^[1]

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1. Stanford Univ., CA (United States); and others

Electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) is a process where one laser (or electromagnetic field) is used to modify the absorption coefficient and refractive index seen by a probe laser, thereby allowing it to propagate in what would otherwise be an optically thick medium. Early experimental observations have focused on the total transmission of a weak probe laser. Here we discuss and show experimental results describing the temporal dynamics and spatial behavior of propagating EIT pulses. Using Pb vapor, we have observed an increase in transparency from exp (-6000) to near unity. For a weak probe and strong coupling laser, we observe group velocities as slow as c/165 with an energy transmission of 55%. For a strong probe laser we observe reshaping of both the coupling and probe laser pulses. Of most interest, we find near diffraction-limited beam quality with both lasers well above saturation intensity.

• OSTI ID: 126839
• Report Number(s): CONF-950402--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
ABSORPTION
BEAM OPTICS
BEAM SHAPING
DIFFRACTION
LASER RADIATION
LASERS
OPACITY
PULSES
REFRACTIVE INDEX
TRANSMISSION