Time-domain optical data storage by use of Raman coherent population trapping

We experimentally demonstrate time-domain storage and retrieval of amplitude- and phase-encoded optical data, using Raman coherent population trapping, despite the loss of information about absolute optical phases that occurs as a result of the dissipative nature of the process. In this Raman optical storage process homogeneous decay of the optical coherence does not prevent interference between time-separated fields, thus relaxing the requirement for long-lived optical coherences.