Holographically controlled three-dimensional atomic population patterns

Selyem, A., Fayard, S., Clark, T. W., Arnold, A. S., Radwell, N. and Franke-Arnold, S. (2018) Holographically controlled three-dimensional atomic population patterns. Optics Express, 26(14), 18513. (doi: 10.1364/oe.26.018513) (PMID:30114030)

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Abstract

The interaction of spatially structured light fields with atomic media can generate spatial structures inscribed in the atomic populations and coherences, allowing for example the storage of optical images in atomic vapours. Typically, this involves coherent optical processes based on Raman or EIT transitions. Here we study the simpler situation of shaping atomic populations via spatially dependent optical depletion. Using a near resonant laser beam with a holographically controlled 3D intensity profile, we imprint 3D population structures into a thermal rubidium vapour. This 3D population structure is simultaneously read out by recording the spatially resolved fluorescence of an unshaped probe laser. We find that the reconstructed atomic population structure is largely complementary to the intensity structure of the control beam, however appears blurred due to global repopulation processes. We identify and model these mechanisms which limit the achievable resolution of the 3D atomic population. We expect this work to set design criteria for future 2D and 3D atomic memories.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Also funded by the European Training Network ColOpt (H2020-MSCA-ITN-2016).
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Selyem, Adam and Radwell, Dr Neal and Clark, Thomas and Franke-Arnold, Professor Sonja
Authors: Selyem, A., Fayard, S., Clark, T. W., Arnold, A. S., Radwell, N., and Franke-Arnold, S.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Optics Express
Publisher:Optical Society of America
ISSN:1094-4087
ISSN (Online):1094-4087
Published Online:03 July 2018
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2018 Optical Society of America
First Published:First published in Optics Express 26(14):18513
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
637131Quantum memory and processing of orbital angular momentum information in atomic gassesSonja Franke-ArnoldLeverhulme Trust (LEVERHUL)RPG-2013-386S&E P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY
6672319UK Quantum Technology Hub in Enhanced Quantum ImagingMiles PadgettEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/M01326X/1S&E P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY