We examine the possibility of transfer of atomic coherence via stimulated R
aman adiabatic passage (STIRAP). As a case study, we consider a five-level
scheme in which the four ground states can be coupled to the common excited
state by four different laser pulses. We calculate the fidelity for the pr
eparation of the atomic system in a superposition of two ground states star
ting from a superposition of the other two ground states. We prove the feas
ibility of transfer of coherences via STIRAP and derive the necessary condi
tions for the sequence of laser pulses. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All
rights reserved.