Coherent control of magneto-optical rotation in inhomogeneously broadened medium

We extend our earlier investigations [Opt. Commun. 179 (2000) 97] on the en hancement of magneto-optical rotation (MOR) to include inhomogeneous broade ning. We introduce a control field that counter-propagates with respect to the probe field. We derive analytical results for the susceptibilities corr esponding to the two circular polarization components of the probe field. F rom the analytical results we identify and numerically demonstrate the regi on of parameters where significantly large MOR can be obtained. From the nu merical results we isolate the significance of the magnetic field and the c ontrol field in enhancement of MOR. The control field opens up many new reg ions of the frequencies of the probe where large MOR occurs. We also report that a large enhancement of MOR can be obtained by operating the probe and control field in two-photon resonance condition. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.