Journal of Natural Science of Heilongjiang University
Study on optical bistability in a four-level inverted Y-type atom system
Hua Xua
Abstract
Optical bistability in a four-level inverted Y-type atom system inside an optical ring cavity is investigated numerically. Atomic density matrix equations are derived by the density matrix theory. The effect of the Spontaneously Generated Coherence( SGC) on threshold of the optical bistability is studied.When the probing field and controlling field are in two-photon resonance,the atoms are trapped on the two lower states,probing field is transparent and there is no bistability in the system. But when the probing field and coupling field or coupling field and controlling field are in two-photon resonance,there is the optical bistability in the system. Under condition of the stable state,SGC can make the interference destructive from two transition channels. Population distribution on the higher levels is enhanced,transparency window becomes narrow,and the threshold of the bistability becomes large.