Optics Express
Observation of discrete diffraction patterns in an optically induced lattice
Jiteng Sheng, Jing Wang, Mohammad‐Ali Miri, Demetrios N. Christodoulides, Min Xiao
Abstract
We have experimentally observed the discrete diffraction of light in a coherently prepared multi-level atomic medium. This is achieved by launching a probe beam into an optical lattice induced from the interference of two coupling beams. The diffraction pattern can be controlled through the atomic parameters such as two-photon detuning and temperature, as well as orientations of the coupling and probe beams. Clear diffraction patterns occur only near the two-photon resonance.