Spatial-domain interactions between ultra-weak optical beams

TL;DR

This paper reports the first observation of soliton-like spatial interactions between ultra-weak optical beams, demonstrating controllable phase-dependent outcomes in a quantum-coherent atomic medium, with potential applications in all-optical signal processing.

Contribution

It introduces the first experimental observation of soliton-like interactions between ultra-weak beams using a quantum coherence-based waveguide in atomic media.

Findings

Observation of phase-dependent beam interactions

Control over beam outcomes via phase manipulation

Potential for all-optical switching and gating

Abstract

We have observed the spatial interactions between two ultra-weak optical beams that are initially collinear and non-overlapping. The weak beams are steered towards each other by a spatially varying cross-Kerr refractive index waveguide written by a strong laser beam in a three-level atomic medium utilizing quantum coherence. After being brought together, the weak beams show controllable phase-dependent outcomes. This is the first observation of soliton-like interactions between weak beams and can be useful for all-optically tunable beam-combining, switching and gates for weak photonic signals.