Coherent Population Oscillation-Based Light Storage

TL;DR

This paper presents a theoretical study of light storage in a $$-type atomic medium using coherent population oscillations, introducing the concept of a 'populariton' for robust classical light memory.

Contribution

It introduces the 'populariton' concept, linking CPO modes to light storage, offering a population-based memory robust to dephasing, contrasting with Raman protocols.

Findings

Propagation eigenmodes relate to CPO modes.

Light storage is achievable via the 'populariton' mode.

Memory is robust against dephasing effects.

Abstract

We theoretically study the propagation and storage of a classical field in a $\Lambda$-type atomic medium using coherent population oscillations (CPOs). We show that the propagation eigenmodes strongly relate to the different CPO modes of the system. Light storage in such modes is discussed by introducing a "populariton" quantity, a mixture of populations and field, by analogy to the dark state polariton used in the context of electromagnetically induced transparency light storage protocol. As experimentally shown, this memory relies on populations and is then - by contrast with usual Raman coherence optical storage protocols - robust to dephasing effects.