Abstract
Electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) has often been proposed for generating nonlinear optical effects at the single photon level; in particular, as a means to effect a quantum non-demolition measurement of a single-photon field. Previous treatments have usually considered homogeneously broadened samples, but realizations in any medium will have to contend with inhomogeneous broadening. Here we reappraise an earlier scheme (Munro et al 2005 Phys. Rev. A 71 033819) with respect to inhomogeneities and show an alternative mode of operation that is preferred in an inhomogeneous environment. We further show the implications of these results on a potential implementation in diamond-containing nitrogen-vacancy colour centres.
Highlights
The importance of quantum mechanics to modern technology is indisputable
Much of our treatment in this paper will be system independent, it is important to note that a major motivation for performing this reappraisal of weak nonlinear gates is the availability of a new material for observing optical electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT): diamond containing the negatively charged Nitrogen-Vacancy colour centre (NV)
We examine the full solutions for ρbb and ρdd, which turn out to be qualitatively similar to the analysis based on perturbing the EIT structure by the extra transition
Summary
The importance of quantum mechanics to modern technology is indisputable. what remains to complete the ‘quantum revolution’ [1] is the exploitation of coherent quantum mechanics in technological devices as well as the incoherent quantum mechanics responsible for, e.g., transistor electronics. At the transparency point (two-photon resonance between the ground states) there is a linear dispersion This feature has led to dramatic demonstrations of ultra-slow group velocity light [20, 34, 35] and is the basis for the Giant Kerr nonlinearity [33] in the N configuration of Fig. 1 (b). Much of our treatment in this paper will be system independent, it is important to note that a major motivation for performing this reappraisal of weak nonlinear gates is the availability of a new material for observing optical EIT: diamond containing the negatively charged Nitrogen-Vacancy colour centre (NV) This material has shown quite remarkable results, including single photon generation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
