Storing images in warm atomic vapor

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the ability to store and retrieve two-dimensional images in warm atomic vapor using electromagnetically induced transparency, maintaining both intensity and phase, with diffusion as the main limiting factor.

Contribution

It introduces a method for storing complex images in warm atomic vapor with preserved phase and intensity, addressing diffusion limitations with phase-shift lithography techniques.

Findings

Images stored for up to 30 microseconds

Phase and intensity patterns are preserved during storage

Diffusion limits storage resolution and duration

Abstract

Reversible and coherent storage of light in atomic medium is a key-stone of future quantum information applications. In this work, arbitrary two-dimensional images are slowed and stored in warm atomic vapor for up to 30 $\mu$s, utilizing electromagnetically induced transparency. Both the intensity and the phase patterns of the optical field are maintained. The main limitation on the storage resolution and duration is found to be the diffusion of atoms. A techniqueanalogous to phase-shift lithography is employed to diminish the effect of diffusion on the visibility of the reconstructed image.