Optical microcavity formation and ultrafast control using half-cycle attosecond pulses in two- and three-level media

Abstract

Light induced population difference gratings have numerous applications in modern optics. The conventional approach of creating them by using monochromatic laser radiation makes it virtually impossible to rapidly control their properties. In recent years, there has been active discussion about using ultra-short light pulses to control such gratings. We show the possibility of ultrafast control of population difference structures, such as dynamic microresonators and Bragg-like grating formations, by the collision of extremely short light pulses in a resonant medium. This work focuses on changes in microcavity properties based on the different parameters, such as the atomic density of the medium, the form of the pulses, and whether the medium is two- or three-level.