Abstract
We demonstrate an ultra-low light level optical modulator using a tapered nano fiber embedded in a hot rubidium vapor. The control and signal beams are co-propagating but orthogonally polarized, leading to a degenerate V-system involving coherent superpositions of Zeeman sublevels. The modulation is due primarily to the quantum Zeno effect for the signal beam induced by the control beam. For a control power of 40 nW and a signal power of 100 pW, we observe near 100% modulation. The ultra-low power level needed for the modulation is due to a combination of the Zeno effect and the extreme field localization in the evanescent field around the taper.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 22874-22881 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Optics Express |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue number | 23 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Nov 7 2011 |
Funding
This effort was made possible by generous grants from the Simons Foundation , USA and the Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute , USA, and philanthropic gifts from Sonia Gardner in loving memory of her father, Moise Lasry, and from Arthur and Selma Rabin. These sponsors had no involvement in study design; in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; or in the decision to submit the article for publication.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics