Advancements in Optical Phase Modulation Using Rubidium Vapour

Recent advancements in optical technology have been highlighted in a new paper titled "Fast, low-loss all-optical phase modulation in warm rubidium vapour" by William Davis and colleagues. This research addresses a significant challenge in the field of photonics: achieving both high bandwidth and low loss in optical phase modulators. The authors report a phase modulation bandwidth of 100 MHz with a transmission loss of approximately 83%. This is achieved through a two-photon transition in rubidium-87 vapor, specifically the transition from 5S_1/2 to 5P_3/2 to 5D_5/2.

The implications of this work are substantial for the development of future photonic quantum technologies. Low-loss, high-speed switches are crucial for applications such as state generation, multiplexing, and the implementation of quantum gates. The ability to modulate light effectively at high speeds while maintaining low loss could enhance the performance of various quantum and classical technologies.

The authors also discuss potential routes for improving both performance and scalability, which could lead to broader applications in the field. This research not only contributes to the fundamental understanding of optical phase modulation but also paves the way for practical advancements in quantum computing and communication systems.

For further details, the paper is available at arXiv:2309.04313.