Work

Spontaneously generated structured light via vortex beams in a five-level atomic system

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We propose an efficient scheme to manipulate spontaneous emission spectra using optical vortices carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) in a coherently driven cold five-level atomic system assisted by a radio frequency (RF) or microwave field. Using experimentally achievable parameters, we find that the spontaneous emission is strongly influenced by quantum destructive interference. And we show that the structured light profile of the probe field can be transferred to the spontaneous emission spectrum via spontaneously generated coherence (SGC). With the aid of SGC, the intensities and detunings of the control and RF fields can be used to tailor the vortex-induced spontaneous emission spectra. When the control and RF fields are configured as vortex beams, it is demonstrated that the spontaneous emission can be coherently controlled through quantum interference by adjusting their topological charges (TCs). Furthermore, we explore intriguing optical properties of the vortex-induced spontaneous emission by varying the TCs of the probe and control fields. This coherently driven atomic system features three closely spaced levels, giving rise to multiple vortex-induced SGC pathways. Our scheme opens avenues for applications in structured light, ranging from optical storage to optical communication.

Source: Optics Express

DOI: 10.1364/oe.583721

Authors: Tong Zhang, Xu Deng, Kai-Kai Zhang, Tao Shui, Wen-Xing Yang

Language: English

Topic: Quantum optics and atomic interactions

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,270

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province

Awards: G1549003295, G1676926849, G2081357025, G6331003960, G823543163