Turning Quantum Pathways On and Off with Light
The Research group of Dr. Rohan Singh [Department of Physics] has developed a simple way to control quantum systems using only the intensity of ultrafast laser pulses. Studying a three-level system common in atoms, molecules, and semiconductor materials, they showed that strong light pulses can create complex quantum dynamics that depend on pulse duration and energy spacing between excited states. By adjusting pulse intensity, specific quantum pathways can be selectively enhanced, suppressed, or switched off, allowing individual features in two-dimensional spectra to be isolated and their phase precisely tuned. Unlike earlier methods that require complex pulse shaping or polarization control, this approach relies solely on intensity control and operates in a high-intensity regime. The findings offer a straightforward strategy for manipulating coherent light-matter interactions and could aid future advances in quantum technologies, photonic devices, and ultrafast spectroscopy. For more details, kindly visit https://doi.org/10.1103/4syq-htyw.
