Darmstadt 2008 – scientific programme

Parts | Days | Selection | Search | Downloads | Help

Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik

Q 29: Poster Quanteneffekte

Q 29.13: Poster

Tuesday, March 11, 2008, 16:30–19:00, Poster C2

Efficient coherent population transfer to highly excited vibrational states in NO molecules by Stark-chirped rapid adiabatic passage — •Holger Münch, Martin Oberst, and Thomas Halfmann — Institute for Applied Physics, TU Darmstadt, Schlossgartenstr. 7, 64289 Darmstadt, Germany

The interaction of strong, coherent radiation fields with quantum states permit the efficient and selective manipulation of population distributions. Adiabatic processes, e.g. rapid adiabatic passage (RAP), allow to prepare complete population inversion between two quantum states. An extension of RAP is Stark-chirped rapid adiabatic passage (SCRAP). This process uses dynamic stark-shifts to drive the transition frequency through resonance with an initially detuned laser field and thereby realize a RAP process. The implementation of SCRAP in a L-type three state system rather than application of other coherent techniques, e.g. STIRAP, offers e.g. advantages in inhomogeneous broadened media. We demonstrate the experimental realization of SCRAP among three states in nitric oxide (NO) molecules. SCRAP permits complete population inversion between a vibrational ground state and a highly excited vibrational state. Both states are coupled through strong, pulsed laser fields (pump and Stokes laser) to an electronically excited intermediate state. An intense Stark laser pulse induces dynamic stark-shifts of the transition frequencies. Appropriate choice of laser detunings and time delays between the laser pulses permits complete and robust population inversion in the NO molecules and efficient storage of large amounts of internal energy.