Linear and nonlinear optical precursors in inhomogeneously broadened two-level media

Robert Marskar and Ulf L. Österberg
Phys. Rev. A 86, 063826 – Published 20 December 2012

Abstract

By solving the two-level Maxwell-Bloch equations for resonant pulses numerically, we observe precursors in a regime where the area theorem is fulfilled. The precursors are 0π pulses traveling at a velocity close to the speed of light, and the main signal is a self-induced transparency (SIT) 2π soliton traveling at a much lower velocity. The manifestation of the precursors is strongest when the input pulse duration is on the same order as the inhomogeneous lifetime and the input area is close to π. Depending on the relationship between the input pulse duration and the inhomogeneous lifetime, the precursors can interact linearly or nonlinearly with the material. Experimental confirmation of these results should offer a direct and reasonably straightforward way of measuring optical precursors.

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  • Received 26 October 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.86.063826

©2012 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Robert Marskar* and Ulf L. Österberg

  • Department of Electronics and Telecommunication, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway

  • *robert.marskar@iet.ntnu.no
  • ulf.osterberg@iet.ntnu.no

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Issue

Vol. 86, Iss. 6 — December 2012

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