Coherent population transfer via the continuum

Abstract

We present a remarkable analytic result which suggests that a continuum can be used as an intermediary for a significant transfer of population from one discrete state to another discrete state in a stimulated Raman transition. The population transfer is accomplished by employing two laser pulses that overlap in time, arranged in the so-called counterintuitive order. That a continuum can be used for population transfer is shown here for the first time. It promises to open up more channels for selective coherent excitation of atoms or molecules.