Photon scattering by a three-level emitter in a one-dimensional waveguide

Abstract

We discuss the scattering of photons from a three-level emitter in a one-dimensional waveguide, where the transport is governed by the interference of spontaneously emitted and directly transmitted waves. The scattering problem is solved in closed form for different level structures. Several possible applications are discussed: the state of the emitter can be switched deterministically by Raman scattering, thus enabling applications in quantum computing such as a single-photon transistor. An array of emitters gives rise to a photonic band gap structure, which can be tuned by a classical driving laser. A disordered array leads to Anderson localization of photons, where the localization length can again be controlled by an external driving.