Abstract

Coherent states in microcrystals are important as potential means for approaching the fundamental limits on speed and efficiency in optical switching. Workers are only now beginning to master means of preparing these coherent states at excitation levels of one or a few quanta. We have identified a mechanism that could explain some aspects of coherent state preparation in microcrystals having optical wavelength dimensions. Realization of this mechanism requires no unusual properties, other than satisfying certain precise dimensional requirements on the microcrystal, means of exciting the state, and a constraint on dephasing rates. Many real systems can satisfy these constraints.

© 1996 Optical Society of America