Sub- and super-luminal light propagation using a Rydberg state

TL;DR

This paper theoretically explores how a Rydberg state in rubidium atoms can be used to control light propagation speeds, enabling switching between sub- and super-luminal regimes with potential optical switching applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel 4-level atomic scheme for controlling light speed using Rydberg states, analyzing both stationary and moving atoms at room temperature.

Findings

Transparent medium can switch from sub- to super-luminal propagation.

Group index varies with control Rabi frequency.

Transient response indicates potential for optical switching.

Abstract

We present a theoretical study to investigate sub- and super-luminal light propagation in a rubidium atomic system consisting of a Rydberg state by using density matrix formalism. The analysis is performed in a 4-level vee+ladder system interacting with a weak probe, and strong control and switching fields. The dispersion and absorption profiles are shown for stationary atoms as well as for moving atoms by carrying out Doppler averaging at room temperature. We also present the group index variation with control Rabi frequency and observe that a transparent medium can be switched from sub- to super-luminal propagation in the presence of switching field. Finally, the transient response of the medium is discussed, which shows that the considered 4-level scheme has potential applications in absorptive optical switching.