Coherent response to optical excitation in a rare-earth ion doped crystal

TL;DR

This paper studies how coherent optical pulses propagate through a high-density Tm$^{3+}$:YAG crystal, focusing on $b1$-pulse transmission for potential quantum storage applications.

Contribution

It demonstrates controlled coherent propagation and $b1$-pulse transmission in a dense rare-earth doped crystal, advancing quantum storage research.

Findings

Successful $b1$-pulse transmission observed

High optical density maintained during experiments

Potential for quantum storage protocols identified

Abstract

We investigate coherent propagation through a large optical density Tm$^{3+}$:YAG crystal. Using an ultra-stable laser, fiber filtering and site selection, we investigate the transmitted pulse temporal profile. The plane wave condition is satisfied by selection of the illuminated spot central area. We pay special attention to $\pi$-pulse transmission in the prospect of implementing optical quantum storage protocols.