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Enhanced Kerr Nonlinearity via Atomic Coherence in a Three-Level Atomic System

2001; American Physical Society; Volume: 87; Issue: 7 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1103/physrevlett.87.073601

1092-0145

Hai Wang, David Goorskey, Min Xiao,

Quantum Information and Cryptography

We measure the Kerr-nonlinear index of refraction of a three-level Lambda-type atomic system inside an optical ring cavity. The Kerr nonlinearity is modified and greatly enhanced near atomic resonant conditions for both probe and coupling beams. The Kerr nonlinear coefficient n(2) changes sign when the coupling beam frequency detuning switches sign, which can lead to interesting applications in optical devices such as all-optical switches.