Population transfer in three-level Lambda atoms with Doppler-broadened transition lines by a single frequency-chirped short laser pulse

We examine interaction of a single frequency-chirped laser pulse with three -level atoms that have a Lambda configuration of levels. We show that it is possible to produce complete fast and robust population transfer of all at oms of the ensemble with Doppler-broadened transition lines from one ground state into the other ground state with negligibly small temporary populati on of the excited state by controlling the intensity of the laser pulse and the direction and speed of the frequency chirp. (C) 2000 Optical Society o f America [S0740-3224(99)00212-X] OCIS code: 020.1670.