Optical storage of circular airy beam in atomic vapor

Abstract

The realization of quantum storage of spatial light field is of great significance to the construction of high-dimensional quantum repeater. In this paper, we experimentally realize the storage and retrieval of circular airy beams (CABs) by using the Λ-type three-level energy system based on the electromagnetically induced transparency in a hot rubidium atomic vapor cell. The weak probe beam field is modulated with phase distribution of CABs by a spatial light modulator. We store the probe circular airy beam (CAB) into the rubidium atomic vapor cell and retrieve after the demanded delay. We quantitatively analyze the storage results and give corresponding theoretical explanations. Moreover, we investigate the autofocusing and self-healing effect of the retrieved CAB, which indicates that the properties and beam shape of CAB maintains well after storage. Our work will have potential applications in the storage of high-dimensional quantum information, and is also useful for improving the channel capacities of quantum internet.