Abstract

In our work we exploit the enhanced sensitivity of Rydberg states to control the propagation of light through an atomic ensemble. For example, if the atoms are prepared in a dark state corresponding to a superposition of ground and Rydberg states [1] the medium displays a giant electro-optic effect many orders of magnitude larger than other media [2]. This giant electro-optic effect can be used to impose sidebands on light propagating through the ensemble as shown in Figure la).

© 2009 IEEE