We report an experimental demonstration of photon switching by quantum interference in a four-level atomic system proposed by Harris and Yamamoto [Phys. Rev. Lett. 81, 3611 (1998)]. Quantum interference inhibits single-photon absorption but enhances third-order, two-photon-type absorption in the four-level system. We have observed greatly enhanced nonlinear absorption in the four-level system realized with cold ${}^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ atoms and demonstrated fast switching of the nonlinear absorption with a pulsed pump laser.We report an experimental demonstration of photon switching by quantum interference in a four-level atomic system proposed by Harris and Yamamoto [Phys. Rev. Lett. 81, 3611 (1998)]. Quantum interference inhibits single-photon absorption but enhances third-order, two-photon-type absorption in the four-level system. We have observed greatly enhanced nonlinear absorption in the four-level system realized with cold ${}^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ atoms and demonstrated fast switching of the nonlinear absorption with a pulsed pump laser.

arXiv:physics/0105065Physical Review ASep 12, 2001193 citations

Multi-Photon Quantum Interference

Z. Y. Ou

Springer eBooksJan 1, 2007166 citations

Absorptive photon switching by quantum interference

M. Yan, Edward G. Rickey, Y. Zhu

Summary form only given. A coupling laser can create electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in an absorbing medium such that linear absorption of a weak probe laser at the line center is suppressed by quantum interference. The quantum interference may be modified by adding a pump laser coupled to a separate state, which leads to enhanced third-order nonlinearities in the atomic system. Large nonlinear probe absorption at the EIT center is controlled by the pump laser and may be used to realize absorptive photon switching as proposed by Harris and Yamamoto. We report an experimental study of enhanced third-order nonlinear absorption and absorptive photon switching in /sup 87/Rb atoms cooled and confined in a magneto-optical trap.Summary form only given. A coupling laser can create electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in an absorbing medium such that linear absorption of a weak probe laser at the line center is suppressed by quantum interference. The quantum interference may be modified by adding a pump laser coupled to a separate state, which leads to enhanced third-order nonlinearities in the atomic system. Large nonlinear probe absorption at the EIT center is controlled by the pump laser and may be used to realize absorptive photon switching as proposed by Harris and Yamamoto. We report an experimental study of enhanced third-order nonlinear absorption and absorptive photon switching in /sup 87/Rb atoms cooled and confined in a magneto-optical trap.

Quantum Electronics and Laser Science ConferenceNov 13, 20020 citations

{}^{87}\mathrm{Rb}

atoms and demonstrated fast switching of the nonlinear absorption with a pulsed pump laser.