title: Coherent transient amplification in inhomogeneously broadened rubidium atoms by diode-laser frequency switching.
abstract: We report observation of coherent transient amplification that is due to free-induction decay and optical nutation in inhomogeneously broadened rubidium atoms by a sudden switch of diode-laser frequency. An amplification coefficient of 2.2 x 10(-2) cm(-1) is observed when the diode-laser frequency, initially tuned to the blue side of the Doppler-broadened absorption profile, is switched to be out of resonance by application of a step-function pulsed injection current. The transition from free-induction decay to optical nutation is observed and discussed.
authors.forename: Y Q
authors.initials: YQ
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Burkett
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Xiao