Optically induced Faraday effect in a Λ configuration of spin-polarized cold cesium atoms

Jai Min Choi, Jang Myun Kim, Q. Han Park, D. Cho

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Polarization rotation of weak probe light induced by circularly polarized strong coupling light in a Λ configuration is studied. We use spin-polarized cold cesium atoms trapped in a magneto-optical trap to remove complications from Zeeman distribution, Doppler broadening, and collisional decoherence. By using a very low probe intensity and short illumination period we work in a strictly linear regime. The probe and the coupling fields are optically phase locked to eliminate phase fluctuation and consequent atomic decoherence. Using this idealized situation we clarify the roles of optically induced Faraday rotation, circular dichroism, and electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in determining the final state of the probe light. In particular, we identify an experimental situation where the roles of atomic coherence and EIT are important.

Original languageEnglish
Article number013815
JournalPhysical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
Volume75
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

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