Phase-dependent interaction in a four-level atomic configuration

Franke-arnold, S. , Morigi, G. and Oppo, G.-L. (2002) Phase-dependent interaction in a four-level atomic configuration. Physical Review A: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics, 66(5), art 053409. (doi: 10.1103/PhysRevA.66.053409)

Abstract

We study a four-level atomic scheme interacting with four lasers in a closed-loop configuration with a ⋄ (diamond) geometry. We investigate the influence of the laser phases on the steady state. We show that, depending on the phases and the decay characteristic, the system can exhibit a variety of behaviors, including population inversion and complete depletion of an atomic state. We explain the phenomena in terms of multiphoton interference, and compare our results with the phase-dependent phenomena in the double-Λ scheme. This investigation may be useful for developing nonlinear optical devices, and for the spectroscopy and laser cooling of alkali-earth atoms.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Franke-Arnold, Professor Sonja
• Authors: Franke-arnold, S., Morigi, G., and Oppo, G.-L.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
• Journal Name: Physical Review A: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
• Publisher: American Physical Society
• ISSN: 1050-2947
• ISSN (Online): 1094-1622