Adiabatic transfer of atomic coherence

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.