Electromagnetically Induced Transparency
For my senior project, I intend to study the phenomenon of non-linear optics, specifically, electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). When an electromagnetic field is incident on a material, the material is opaque if the atoms and electrons are able to oscillate at the frequency of the applied light. If the electrons are somehow stopped from oscillating at this frequency, they will not contribute to the absorption. Through the use of a tuned secondary beam, electron transitions are stopped. The material becomes transparent, and light is able to pass through the material. I intend to develop an understanding of the processes and equations that govern this behavior, on both macroscopic and microscopic levels.
By October 26, the day of midterm reports, I expect to have a basic understanding of the methods used to induce transparency in a material, and the limitations of these methods. I also expect to have a basic understanding of the similarities and differences between electromagnetically induced transparency, and self induced transparency (SIT). By the end of the semester, I intend to have a more complete understanding of the mathematical equations that govern these processes, current applications of this technology, and possible uses of this technology in the future.
References related to work:
Harris, Stephen E., Physics Today (vol 50, #7) pp.36-42
Cotter, D., Butcher, P.N., (1990) The Elements of Nonlinear Optics, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press [171]
Mills, D.L., (1991) Nonlinear Optics—Basic Concepts, New York: Springer-Verlag [107-112]