Ultra-low power, Zeno effect based optical modulation in a degenerate V-system with a tapered nano fiber in atomic vapor

K. Salit*, M. Salit, Subramanian Krishnamurthy, Y. Wang, P. Kumar, M. S. Shahriar

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)22874-22881
Number of pages8
JournalOptics Express
Volume19
Issue number23
DOIs
StatePublished - 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

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