Modified self-Kerr-nonlinearity in a four-level N-type atomic system
- Department of Physics, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701 (United States)
- Department of Physics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708 (United States)
The self-Kerr-nonlinearity of a four-level N-type atomic system is studied both experimentally and theoretically. The self-Kerr-nonlinear coefficient n{sub 2} of the probe beam is greatly enhanced near atomic resonance, and can be dramatically modified by changing the switching laser power. With an increasing switching laser power, the slope of the Kerr nonlinear coefficient n{sub 2} around the atomic resonance changes from negative to positive, and the value of n{sub 2} varies from {approx}-4 x 10{sup -6} to 4 x 10{sup -6} cm{sup 2}/W at certain near-resonant probe frequency detunings. Such controllable Kerr nonlinearity can find applications in optoelectronic devices, such as all-optical switching and logic gates.
- OSTI ID:
- 22095458
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review. A, Journal Name: Physical Review. A Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 84; ISSN 1050-2947; ISSN PLRAAN
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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