Electromagnetically induced transparency controlled by a microwave field

TL;DR

This paper experimentally investigates how a microwave field influences electromagnetically induced transparency in rubidium vapor, revealing phase-dependent control of optical transmission through interference effects.

Contribution

It demonstrates phase-dependent EIT control using a microwave field in a rubidium vapor system, supported by theoretical modeling and simulations.

Findings

Maximum probe transmission depends on phase between optical and microwave fields

Constructive and destructive interference observed in EIT

Theoretical and numerical models explain experimental results

Abstract

We have experimentally studied propagation of two optical fields in a dense rubidium (Rb) vapor in the case when an additional microwave field is coupled to the hyperfine levels of Rb atoms. The Rb energy levels form a close-lambda three-level system coupled to the optical fields and the microwave field. It has been found that the maximum transmission of a probe field depends on the relative phase between the optical and the microwave fields. We have observed both constructive and destructive interference in electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). A simple theoretical model and a numerical simulation have been developed to explain the observed experimental results.