Slow light based optical frequency shifter

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel method for controllably shifting optical pulse frequencies using slow light, spectral hole burning, and the Stark effect in rare-earth crystals, with potential applications in quantum communication.

Contribution

It introduces a new approach combining spectral hole burning and Stark effect for efficient, controllable optical frequency shifting applicable to quantum memory devices.

Findings

Achieved controllable frequency shifts using slow light and Stark effect.

Demonstrated potential for broad acceptance angle close to 2π.

Applicable to weak coherent light for quantum communication.

Abstract

We demonstrate experimentally and theoretically a controllable way of shifting the frequency of an optical pulse by using a combination of spectral hole burning, slow light effect, and linear Stark effect in a rare-earth-ion doped crystal. We claim that the solid angle of acceptance of a frequency shift structure can be close to $2\pi$, which means that the frequency shifter could work not only for optical pulses propagating in a specific spatial mode but also for randomly scattered light. As the frequency shift is controlled solely by an external electric field, it works also for weak coherent light fields, and can e.g. be used as a frequency shifter for quantum memory devices in quantum communication.