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Observation of electromagnetically induced transparency in evanescent fields
R Thomas1, C Kupchak, G S Agarwal
1Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada.
Optics Express
|April 3, 2013
Summary
Electromagnetically-induced transparency was observed in evanescent fields using hot rubidium vapor. This could lead to ultra-compact frequency references, with decoherence likely from cell wall collisions.
Area of Science:
- Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
- Quantum Optics
- Laser Spectroscopy
Background:
- Evanescent fields arise from total internal reflection.
- Electromagnetically-induced transparency (EIT) is a quantum interference effect.
- Hot atomic vapors are used in various quantum optics applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate electromagnetically-induced transparency (EIT) in evanescent fields.
- To analyze the spectral features and decoherence mechanisms of this EIT phenomenon.
- To explore the potential of this system as a compact frequency reference.
Main Methods:
- Experimental observation of EIT in evanescent fields at a glass-rubidium vapor interface.
- Theoretical modeling of the observed phenomenon.
- Analysis of the reflectivity spectrum and peak width dependence on interaction region thickness.
Main Results:
- Observed a non-Lorentzian peak in the reflectivity spectrum, a signature of EIT.
- The peak exhibited a sharp cusp with a sub-natural width of approximately 1 MHz.
- Peak width independence from interaction region thickness suggests cell wall collisions as the primary decoherence source.
Conclusions:
- The observed EIT in evanescent fields is robust and exhibits narrow spectral features.
- Decoherence is dominated by atomic collisions with cell walls.
- A coherence-preserving wall coating could enable the development of ultra-compact atomic frequency standards.
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