Coherent Nonlinear Optics and Quantum Control in Negative-Index Metamaterials

TL;DR

This paper explores how laser-induced transparency and parametric amplification can be achieved in negative-index metamaterials, enabling quantum control and overcoming absorption issues through coherent energy transfer.

Contribution

It introduces a novel scheme combining four-wave mixing and negative refractive index engineering for robust transparency and quantum control in negative-index metamaterials.

Findings

Feasibility of broad-range transparency in negative-index slabs.

Effective compensation of absorption via coherent energy transfer.

Numerical confirmation of quantum control over slab transparency.

Abstract

The extraordinary properties of laser-induced transparency of a negative-index slab and parametric amplification for a backward-wave signal are investigated. The effects of the idler absorption and phase mismatch on the amplification of the signal are studied, and the feasibility of ensuring robust transparency for a broad range of control field intensities and slab thicknesses is shown. A particular option consisting of the independent engineering of a strong four-wave mixing response and the negative refractive index is proposed and its specific features are investigated. The feasibility of quantum control over the slab transparency in such a scheme is confirmed through numerical experiments. We thus show opportunities and conditions for the compensation of the strong absorption inherent to plasmonic negative-index metamaterials, and we further show achievable transparency through coherent energy transfer from the control optical field to the negative-index signal.