Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Optics Letters

Controlling light by light with three-level atoms inside an optical cavity

Hai Wang, David J. Goorskey, Min Xiao

Published Aug 1, 2002• 55 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We present our experimental demonstration of controlling the cavity output intensity of one laser beam with the intensity of another laser beam in a composite system consisting of a collection of three-level ?-type rubidium atoms and an optical ring cavity. When the intensity of the controlling beam is modulated with a square waveform, the cavity output power switches on and off (with a distinction ratio better than 20:1) between two steady-state values. This all-optical switching effect is the result of combined absorption and enhanced Kerr nonlinearity near resonance in such three-level atomic systems because of atomic coherence and can find applications in optical communication and optical computation.

DOI
10.1364/ol.27.001354

Related papers

Controlling the cavity field with enhanced Kerr nonlinearity in three-level atoms

Hai Wang, David J. Goorskey, Min Xiao

We experimentally demonstrate cavity field control by another laser beam with three-level \ensuremath{\Lambda}-type atoms inside an optical ring cavity. By adjusting the frequency detuning of the controlling beam (coupled to one of the atomic transitions), the intensity of the cavity field interacting with another atomic transition is switched on and off. Such all-optical switching between two steady states is caused by the enhanced Kerr nonlinearity due to atomic coherence in such system.

Physical Review A•May 2, 2002•51 citations

All-optical switching via enhanced Kerr nonlinearity in three-level atoms

Hai Wang, David J. Goorskey, Min Xiao

Summary form only given. The reduced absorption and enhanced nonlinearity in a three-level electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) system are very important in achieving an effective all-optical switching action. The Kerr-nonlinear index of refraction of a three-level EIT medium can be greatly enhanced near resonance due to atomic coherence induced in such a system in comparison with a two-level atomic system, as we have shown by using an optical ring cavity. Both the magnitude and sign of the Kerr-nonlinear index change dramatically for different frequency detunings of the controlling (or coupling) or cavity (or probe) field. Bistability and dynamic instability occur when such a three-level /spl Lambda/-type EIT system is placed inside an optical ring cavity and the controlling and cavity input intensities to exceed certain threshold values. In this paper, we present a recent experimental demonstration of controlling the cavity output intensity by modulating the frequency detuning of the controlling beam.

Quantum Electronics and Laser Science Conference•Jun 25, 2003•0 citations

Controlling optical bistability in a three-level atomic system

Amitabh Joshi, Andy Brown, Hai Wang +1 more

We have experimentally studied the optical bistable behavior in an optical ring cavity filled with a collection of three-level $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$-type rubidium atoms, interacting with two collinearly propagating laser beams. The bistability so observed is very sensitive to the induced atomic coherence in this electromagnetically induced transparency system or consequently to the altered nonlinearity in the system and, thus, can easily be controlled by changing the intensity and the frequency detuning of the coupling field.

Physical Review A•Apr 17, 2003•212 citations

Bistability and instability of three-level atoms inside an optical cavity

Hai Wang, David J. Goorskey, Min Xiao

Optical bistability and dynamic instability are experimentally observed and studied in a system consisting of three-level $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$-type rubidium atoms in an optical ring cavity. The bistable behavior and self-pulsing frequency are experimentally manipulated by changing the controlling and cavity field parameters (power and frequency). These nonlinear effects are influenced by the enhanced Kerr nonlinearity due to atomic coherence in such a system.

Physical Review A•Dec 11, 2001•108 citations

Controlled steady-state switching in optical bistability

Andy Brown, Amitabh Joshi, Min Xiao

Optical switching has been achieved between two steady states of optical bistability generated in a system with three-level atoms inside an optical cavity. The optical power switching is controlled by adding short positive (switching up) or negative (switching down) pulses to the input intensity. The coupling laser beam in the three-level atomic system is used to control the threshold value and the width of the hysteresis cycle, which can adjust and optimize the optical switching process.

Applied Physics Letters•Aug 12, 2003•69 citations

Enhanced Kerr Nonlinearity via Atomic Coherence in a Three-Level Atomic System

Hai Wang, David J. Goorskey, Min Xiao

We measure the Kerr-nonlinear index of refraction of a three-level Lambda-type atomic system inside an optical ring cavity. The Kerr nonlinearity is modified and greatly enhanced near atomic resonant conditions for both probe and coupling beams. The Kerr nonlinear coefficient n(2) changes sign when the coupling beam frequency detuning switches sign, which can lead to interesting applications in optical devices such as all-optical switches.

Physical Review Letters•Jul 26, 2001•497 citations
We present our experimental demonstration of controlling the cavity output intensity of one laser beam with the intensity of another laser beam in a composite system consisting of a collection of three-level ?-type rubidium atoms and an optical ring cavity. When the intensity of the controlling beam is modulated with a square waveform, the cavity output power switches on and off (with a distinction ratio better than 20:1) between two steady-state values. This all-optical switching effect is the result of combined absorption and enhanced Kerr nonlinearity near resonance in such three-level atomic systems because of atomic coherence and can find applications in optical communication and optical computation.
Summary form only given. The reduced absorption and enhanced nonlinearity in a three-level electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) system are very important in achieving an effective all-optical switching action. The Kerr-nonlinear index of refraction of a three-level EIT medium can be greatly enhanced near resonance due to atomic coherence induced in such a system in comparison with a two-level atomic system, as we have shown by using an optical ring cavity. Both the magnitude and sign of the Kerr-nonlinear index change dramatically for different frequency detunings of the controlling (or coupling) or cavity (or probe) field. Bistability and dynamic instability occur when such a three-level /spl Lambda/-type EIT system is placed inside an optical ring cavity and the controlling and cavity input intensities to exceed certain threshold values. In this paper, we present a recent experimental demonstration of controlling the cavity output intensity by modulating the frequency detuning of the controlling beam.
We have experimentally studied the optical bistable behavior in an optical ring cavity filled with a collection of three-level $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$-type rubidium atoms, interacting with two collinearly propagating laser beams. The bistability so observed is very sensitive to the induced atomic coherence in this electromagnetically induced transparency system or consequently to the altered nonlinearity in the system and, thus, can easily be controlled by changing the intensity and the frequency detuning of the coupling field.