Nonlinear Optics with an Atomic Ytterbium Vapor
Abstract
A theoretical analysis of two-photon cascade emission and four- wave mixing in a three-level atomic system is presented. The specific levels of interest are the ^1S0, ^3P1, and ^3D2 states in atomic ytterbium. Cascade emission along the decay path ^3D2 -> ^3P1 -> ^1S0 generates photons at 1479 nm and 556 nm, respectively. For various emission directions, this decay sequence can produce either (i) polarization-entangled photon pairs or (ii) entanglement between the polarization of one of the emitted photons and the Yb nuclear spin. Finally, simultaneous excitation of the ^1S0 -> ^3D2 two-photon transition (808 nm) and the ^1S0 -> ^3P1 single-photon transition (556 nm) can be used to generate a 1479 nm radiation field (resonant with the ^3D2 -> ^3P1 transition) through four- wave mixing. Experimental progress towards observing these processes will be presented.
- Publication:
-
APS Division of Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- March 2010
- Bibcode:
- 2010APS..DMP.T1006M