Ultrafast population transfer in three-levelΛsystems driven by few-cycle laser pulses

Abstract

The maximal population transfer in three-level $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ system driven by linear polarized few-cycle laser pulses is investigated numerically. A time-dependent Schr\odinger equation without the rotating wave approximation is solved. The maximal population transfer depends critically on the chirp rate and the intensity of the pulses. Almost complete population transfer can be achieved if the difference between the transition dipole moments is not very large.