Year: 2008
Type: article
Abstract: We derive the properties of polaritons in single-$\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ and double-$\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ media using a microscopic equation-of-motion technique. In each case, the polaritonic dispersion relation and composition arise from a matrix eigenvalue problem for arbitrary control field strengths. We show that the double-$\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ medium can be used to up- or down-convert single photons while preserving quantum coherence. The existence of a dark-state polariton protects this single-photon four-wave mixing effect against incoherent decay of the excited atomic states. The efficiency of this conversion is limited mainly by the sample size and the lifetime of the metastable state.
Source: Physical Review A
Authors: Y. D. Chong, Marin Soljačić
Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W1539964074