Memory-based optical polarization conversion in a double-{\Lambda} atomic system with degenerate Zeeman states

TL;DR

This paper experimentally investigates how Zeeman degeneracy affects the efficiency of optical polarization conversion using EIT memory in cold cesium atoms, providing insights for practical quantum network applications.

Contribution

It offers the first experimental validation of theoretical predictions on Zeeman-state effects in EIT-based optical memory conversion.

Findings

Zeeman degeneracy impacts polarization conversion efficiency.

Experimental results align with theoretical models.

Provides quantitative data for practical implementation.

Abstract

Optical memory based on electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in a double-{\Lambda}atomic system provides a convenient way to convert the frequency, bandwidth or polarization of optical pulses by storing in one{\Lambda}channel and retrieving in another.This memory-based optical converter can be used to bridge quantum nodes of different physical properties in a quantum network. However, in real atoms, each energy level usually contains degenerate Zeeman states and this may lead to additional energy loss, as have been discussed in our recent theoretical paper (Phys. Rev. A 100, 063843). Here, we present an experimental study on the efficiency variation in the EIT-memory-based optical polarization conversion in cold cesium atomsunder the Zeeman-state optical pumping. The experimental results support the theoretical predictions. Our works provide quantitative knowledge and physical insight useful to the practical implementation of EIT-memory-based optical converter.