Compression of phase-switched optical pulses in a resonant absorber
Abstract
The problem of pulse compression in a medium presenting a sharp absorption line is examined with emphasis on the resulting enhancement in the peak power. The largest enhancements are shown to be achieved by switching the phase of the input pulses according to a well-defined sequence. The effects due to the rise time of the phase-switch are discussed and enhancements ~ 160 in the peak power of optical pulses are predicted to be attainable in an atomic vapor with a realistic switching time (50 ps).