arXiv · 0804.3273
Giant electro-optic effect using polarizable dark states
Abstract
The electro-optic effect, where the refractive index of a medium is modified by an electric field, is of central importance in non-linear optics, laser technology, quantum optics and optical communications. In general, electro-optic coefficients are very weak and a medium with a giant electro-optic coefficient would have profound implications for non-linear optics, especially at the single photon level, enabling single photon entanglement and switching. Here we propose and demonstrate a giant electro-optic effect based on polarizable dark states. We demonstrate phase modulation of the light field in the dark state medium and measure an electro-optic coefficient that is more than 12 orders of magnitude larger than in other gases. This enormous Kerr non-linearity also creates the potential for precision electrometry and photon entanglement.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
A. K. Mohapatra, M. G. Bason, B. Butscher, K. J. Weatherill, C. S. Adams. 2008-08-19. Giant electro-optic effect using polarizable dark states. https://doi.org/10.1038/nphys1091
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.