Holographically controlled three-dimensional atomic population patterns

Selyem, Adam and Fayard, Sylvain and Clark, Thomas W. and Arnold, Aidan S. and Radwell, Neal and Franke-Arnold, Sonja (2018) Holographically controlled three-dimensional atomic population patterns. Optics Express, 26 (14). pp. 18513-18522. ISSN 1094-4087 (https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.26.018513)

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Abstract

The interaction of spatially structured light fields with atomic media can generate spatial structures inscribed in the atomic populations and coherences, allowing for example the storage of optical images in atomic vapours. Typically, this involves coherent optical processes based on Raman or EIT transitions. Here we study the simpler situation of shaping atomic populations via spatially dependent optical depletion. Using a near resonant laser beam with a holographically controlled 3D intensity profile, we imprint 3D population structures into a thermal rubidium vapour. This 3D population structure is simultaneously read out by recording the spatially resolved fluorescence of an unshaped probe laser. We find that the reconstructed atomic population structure is largely complementary to the intensity structure of the control beam, however appears blurred due to global repopulation processes. We identify and model these mechanisms which limit the achievable resolution of the 3D atomic population. We expect this work to set design criteria for future 2D and 3D atomic memories.

  • Item type:Article
    ID code:64177
    Dates:
    Date
    Event
    3 July 2018
    Published
    23 May 2018
    Accepted
    Subjects:Science > Physics
    Department:Faculty of Science > Physics
    Depositing user: Pure Administrator
    Date deposited:29 May 2018 13:35
    Last modified:09 Apr 2024 00:01
    Related URLs:
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/64177
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