Propagation and nonlinear generation dynamics in a coherently prepared four-level system

Abstract

We explore the laser-pulse propagation dynamics when one, two, or three pulses resonantly drive a coherently prepared four-level medium in a tripod configuration. If the system is prepared in a coherent superposition of two of the lower levels, we show that two incident resonant pulses can parametrically generate a third pulse in the medium. Over short distances, the propagation of this generated pulse can be partially controlled by varying the Rabi frequency of one of the driving fields. For a medium prepared in a coherent superposition of the three lower levels, we obtain a general expression for a three-photon Beer's length. Under specific conditions, the medium can either become completely opaque or completely transparent to three incident resonant pulses. Moreover, a single incident pulse can be used to parametrically generate two additional pulses. Finally, a general relationship is found that links the amplitudes of the initial superposition of states and the amplitudes of the pulses at large distances in the medium, implying that the initial superposition can be used to engineer the amplitudes of the exiting pulses.