LASER-INDUCED ADIABATIC ATOMIC REORIENTATION WITH CONTROL OF DIABATICLOSSES

We discuss theoretical procedures for using a single laser pulse, of v arying linear polarization, to transfer population between sublevels o f a degenerate atomic level. The method is based on application of the procedure of stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP). We also sho w how, in principle, a pulsed quasistatic magnetic field can be used t o improve the usual adiabatic constraints on achieving complete popula tion transfer by means of STIRAP. The technique allows use of shorter pulses, so that population transfer can be achieved more rapidly. It d iminishes, or even eliminates, diabatic loss during the population tra nsfer.