Precision spectral manipulation of optical pulses using a coherent photon echo memory

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how gradient echo memory (GEM) enables precise spectral manipulation of optical pulses, including frequency shifting, spectral compression, splitting, and dispersion control, enhancing optical memory capabilities.

Contribution

It introduces novel spectral manipulation techniques using GEM, expanding the functional scope of photon echo-based optical memories.

Findings

Achieved frequency shifting of optical pulses.

Demonstrated spectral compression and splitting.

Controlled fine dispersion of optical signals.

Abstract

Photon echo schemes are excellent candidates for high efficiency coherent optical memory. They are capable of high-bandwidth multi-pulse storage, pulse resequencing and have been shown theoretically to be compatible with quantum information applications. One particular photon echo scheme is the gradient echo memory (GEM). In this system, an atomic frequency gradient is induced in the direction of light propagation leading to a Fourier decomposition of the optical spectrum along the length of the storage medium. This Fourier encoding allows precision spectral manipulation of the stored light. In this letter, we show frequency shifting, spectral compression, spectral splitting, and fine dispersion control of optical pulses using GEM.