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Optimal control of light storage and retrieval

Irina Novikova, The College of William & Mary

(Session 11 : Sunday from 08:30-09:15)

Abstract. Mapping of quantum states between light and matter (light storage) using a dynamic form of electromagnetically induced transparency is a topic of great current interest. We demonstrate experimentally a general approach to obtain the maximum efficiency for the storage and retrieval of light pulses in atomic media by finding optimal temporal profile for a strong control field or a signal wavepacket. The procedure uses time reversal to obtain optimal input signal pulse-shapes. Experimental results in warm Rb vapor are in good agreement with theoretical predictions and demonstrate a substantial improvement of efficiency. These optimization procedures are applicable to a wide range of systems.