Off-Resonance Pulse Propagation in a Two-Level System-Distance Dependence of the Carrier Frequency

Abstract

Self-induced transparency¹ (SIT) is a manifestation of distortionless pulse propagation of a traveling wave in the form of a pulse propagating through an inhomogeneously broadened two-quantum system. Although the carrier frequency in the pulse is at or near resonance with the quantum oscillators of the medium (assumed to be undamped), no pulse losses occur because the non-linear process of induced absorption during the first half portion of the pulse is balanced by induced emission during the second half of the pulse. This particular non-linear process neutralizes the pulse spreading and distortion which would normally be expected for a weak pulse, as predicted by linear optical dispersion theory.

Supported by the National Science Foundation.