Slowing and storage of double light pulses in a Pr^3+:Y_2SiO_5 crystal

Abstract

We experimentally demonstrate the slowing and storage of double light pulses in a Pr(3+):Y(2)SiO(5) crystal using a multilevel-tripod scheme. Owing to double dark-state polaritons of the tripod-type system, two signal pulses can be simultaneously slowed. Also, we realize the simultaneous storage (and retrieval) of double light pulses by switching off (and back on) the control field. Slowing and storage of double light pulses in solids may have practical applications in quantum information and quantum networks.