Intensity correlations in resonance nonlinear magneto-optical rotation

We have studied the intensity correlations between two orthogonally linearly polarized components of a laser field propagating through a resonant atomic medium. These experiments have been performed in a Rubidium atomic vapor. We observe that the correlations between the orthogonally polarized components of the laser beam are maximal in the absence of a magnetic field. The magnitude of the correlations depends on the applied magnetic field, and the magnitude first decreases and then increases with increasing magnetic field. Minimal correlations and maximal rotation angles are observed at the same magnetic fields. The width of the correlation function is directly proportional to the excited state lifetime and inversely proportional to the Rabi frequency of laser field. These results can be useful for improving optical magnetometers and for optical field or atomic spin squeezing.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figure

Enhancement of field generation via maximal atomic coherence prepared by fast adiabatic passage in Rb vapor

We have experimentally demonstrated the enhancement of coherent Raman scattering in Rb atomic vapor by exciting atomic coherence with fractional stimulated Raman adiabatic passage. Experimental results are in good agreement with numerical simulations. The results support the possibility of increasing the sensitivity of CARS by preparing atomic or molecular coherence using short pulses

Experimental observation of carrier-envelope phase effects by multicycle pulses

We present an experimental and theoretical study of carrier-envelope phase (CEP) effects on the population transfer between two bound atomic states interacting with pulses consisting of many cycles. Using intense radio-frequency pulse with Rabi frequency of the order of the atomic transition frequency, we investigated the influence of CEP on the control of phase dependent multi-photon transitions between the Zeeman sub-levels of the ground state of $^{87}$Rb. Our scheme has no limitation on the duration of the pulses. Extending the CEP control to longer pulses creates interesting possibilities to generate pulses with accuracy that is better then the period of optical oscillations.Comment: 8 Pages, 6 Figure

Absorption resonance and large negative delay in Rb vapor with buffer gas

We observe a narrow, isolated, two-photon absorption resonance in Rb for large one-photon detuning in the presence of a buffer gas. In the absence of buffer gas, a standard Lambda configuration of two laser frequencies gives rise to electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) for all values of one-photon detuning throughout the inhomogeneously (Doppler) broadened line. However, when a buffer gas is added and the one-photon detuning is comparable to or greater than the Doppler width, an absorption resonance appears instead of the usual EIT resonance. We also observe large negative group delay (~ -300 us for a Gaussian pulse propagating through the media with respect to a reference pulse not affected by the media), corresponding to a superluminal group velocity v_g= -c/(3.6x10^6)=-84 m/s.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figure