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Broadband optical delay with a large dynamic range using atomic dispersion

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M R Vanner, R J McLean, P Hannaford and A M Akulshin

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We report on a tunable all-optical delay line for pulses with optical frequency within the Rb D2 absorption line. Using frequency tuning between absorption components from different isotopes, pulses of 10 ns duration are delayed in a 10 cm hot vapour cell by up to 40 ns while the transmission remains above 10%. The use of two isotopes allows the delay to be increased or decreased by optical pumping with a second laser, producing rapid tuning over a range of more than 40% of the initial delay at 110 °C. We investigate the frequency and intensity ranges in which this delay line can be realized. Our observations are in good agreement with a numerical model of the system.


PACS

32.80.Xx Level crossing and optical pumping

32.10.Bi Atomic masses, mass spectra, abundances, and isotopes

42.50.Gy Effects of atomic coherence on propagation, absorption, and amplification of light; electromagnetically induced transparency and absorption

42.50.Md Optical transient phenomena: quantum beats, photon echo, free-induction decay, dephasings and revivals, optical nutation, and self-induced transparency

Subjects

Atomic and molecular physics

Optics, quantum optics and lasers

Dates

Issue 5 (14 March 2008)

Received 20 December 2007, in final form 25 January 2008

Published 26 February 2008



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