Abstract

The generation of slow and fast light in the same transient hole-burning experiment by two laser-frequency modulation methods is reported. The schemes allow for rapid switching between slow and fast light on very short time scales. Experiments were carried out in the ${\mathrm{R}}_1(\pm 3/2)$ line of a pale green (0.04 wt. % Cr) emerald, ${\mathrm{Be}}_3{\mathrm{Al}}_2{\mathrm{Si}}_6{\mathrm{O}}_{18}\text{:}{\mathrm{Cr}}^{3+}$ in $\pi$ polarization ($\mathrm{E}\parallel \mathrm{c}$) at 2.3 K in a low magnetic field $\mathrm{B}\parallel \mathrm{c}$ of 12 mT. Maximum delays and advancements for a 115 ns Gaussian pulse were 65 and $-25\mathrm{ns}$, respectively, corresponding to group indices of $7.8·{10}^3$ and $-3·{10}^3$. The present schemes point to possible applications in all-optical switches.

© 2015 Optical Society of America

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