Polarization switching of light interacting with a degenerate two-level optical medium

Polarization switching of light in a degenerate two-level medium, known as the Lambda-configuration, is described. The polarization dynamics of light pulses is investigated by means of the inverse-scattering transform. The mathematical formalism of the inverse-scattering transform that takes into account the initial fluctuations of the medium polarization components corresponding to atomic transitions between the excited state and the two degenerate ground sub-levels in A-configuration atomic system is formulated. The characteristic switching length is evaluated via the physical parameters of the prepared medium and the optical pulse. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.