Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026
11:21
Cooling an Optically Trapped Ultracold Fermi Gas by Periodical Driving
Published on: March 30, 2017
7.9K
Coherent and dynamic beam splitting based on light storage in cold atoms
Kwang-Kyoon Park1, Tian-Ming Zhao1, Jong-Chan Lee1
1Department of Physics, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Korea.
Scientific Reports
|September 29, 2016
Summary
We developed a dynamic beam splitter using cold atoms and electromagnetically-induced transparency (EIT) to store and retrieve laser pulses. This coherent system allows for controllable splitting of light, with potential in quantum information processing.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Optics
- Atomic Physics
- Photonics
Background:
- Electromagnetically-induced transparency (EIT) enables light storage in atomic ensembles.
- Controlling light-matter interactions is crucial for quantum information processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel coherent and dynamic beam splitter.
- To explore the application of light storage in cold atoms for beam splitting.
- To investigate the dynamic control of beam splitter properties.
Main Methods:
- Storing weak laser pulses in a cold atom ensemble using EIT.
- Retrieving stored pulses into two spatial modes using counter-propagating control fields.
- Analyzing interference patterns to confirm coherence and control parameters.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated a coherent beam splitter based on stored light in cold atoms.
- Achieved dynamic control over storage time, power splitting ratio, relative phase, and optical frequencies.
- Observed high visibility interference, confirming the coherence of the beam splitting process.
Conclusions:
- The developed active beam splitter offers dynamic control over optical pulses.
- Potential applications exist in photonic quantum information and all-optical processing.
- Further improvements could enhance its utility in advanced photonic technologies.
Related Concept Videos
01:03Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Spin State Overview
2.2K
NMR-active nuclei have energy levels called 'spin states' that are associated with the orientations of their nuclear magnetic moments. In the absence of a magnetic field, the nuclear magnetic moments are randomly oriented, and the spin states are degenerate. When an external magnetic field is applied, the spin states have only 2 + 1 orientations available to them. A proton with = ½ has two available orientations. Similarly, for a quadrupolar nucleus with a nuclear spin value of one, the...
2.2K
01:14Atomic Nuclei: Nuclear Spin State Population Distribution
2.5K
Near absolute zero temperatures, in the presence of a magnetic field, the majority of nuclei prefer the lower energy spin-up state to the higher energy spin-down state. As temperatures increase, the energy from thermal collisions distributes the spins more equally between the two states. The Boltzmann distribution equation gives the ratio of the number of spins predicted in the spin −½ (N−) and spin +½ (N+) states.
2.5K
01:04¹³C NMR: ¹H–¹³C Decoupling
2.0K
The probability of having two carbon-13 atoms next to each other is negligible because of the low natural abundance of carbon-13. Consequently, peak splitting due to carbon-carbon spin-spin coupling is not observed in spectra. However, protons up to three sigma bonds away split the carbon signal according to the n+1 rule, resulting in complicated spectra.
A broadband decoupling technique is used to simplify these complex, sometimes overlapping, signals. Broadband decoupling relies on a...
A broadband decoupling technique is used to simplify these complex, sometimes overlapping, signals. Broadband decoupling relies on a...
2.0K
01:13Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Radiation and Light Sources
1.5K
Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) relies on the Beer-Lambert law, which requires that the radiation source emits a narrow range of wavelengths to match the absorption characteristics of the analyte atom. The primary criteria for choosing an appropriate radiation source in AAS is to provide a precise and intense emission at specific wavelengths that will allow accurate detection of the analyte.
Two common narrow-range 'line' sources used in AAS are hollow-cathode lamps (HCLs) and...
Two common narrow-range 'line' sources used in AAS are hollow-cathode lamps (HCLs) and...
1.5K
01:11Atomic Nuclei: Larmor Precession Frequency
3.4K
The earth's gravitational field produces a 'twisting force' perpendicular to the angular momentum of a spinning mass (such as a spinning top) that causes the mass to 'wobble' around the gravitational field axis in a phenomenon called precession. Similarly, the magnetic moment (μ) of a spinning nucleus precesses due to an external magnetic field directed along the z-axis. The precession of the magnetic moment vector about the magnetic field is called Larmor precession,...
3.4K
01:25Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Atomization Methods
1.8K
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) atomizes samples through flame atomization or electrothermal atomization. Flame atomization typically involves a nebulizer and spray chamber assembly to combine the sample with a fuel–oxidant mixture, creating a fine aerosol mist that enters a burner. Typically, the fuel and oxidant are combined in an approximately stoichiometric ratio. However, for atoms that are easily oxidized, a fuel-rich mixture may be more advantageous. Only about 5% of the...
1.8K