Quantum beat observations in rubidium vapor

Probing the interactions between a mode-locked laser pulse and saturated rubidium vapor with a pump–probe technique has resulted in observations of coherences within the atom that persist longer than 150 ps. Quantum beats due to the interference between the 7S and 5D_{5/2} energy states were observed by a four-wave mixing process. The difference frequency between the 5D–5P_{3/2} and the 5P_{3/2}–5S transitions was also observed for interpulse delays up to 180 ps. The temporal evolution of the beat amplitude indicates the existence of a superfluorescent process and a scattering process detected simultaneously with the four-wave mixing process. A model was developed to explain the processes and was used to predict the range of pulse parameters for which the scattering process and four-wave mixing could be simultaneously detected.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2012

Author dc:creator

• Ricconi, Brian

Contributors dc:contributor

• Eden, James G.
• Gruebele, Martin
• Swenson, Gary R.
• Carney, Paul S.
• DeMarco, Brian L.

• Quantum beating
• Raman scattering
• Four-wave mixing
• Pump-probe spectroscopy
• Alkali vapor

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2012 Brian Ricconi

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/31936

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/31936