Quantum time ordering and degeneracy. II: Coherent population transfer between degenerate states

Abstract

We find conditions required to achieve complete population transfer, via coherent population trapping, from an initial state to a designated final state at a designated time in a degenerate $n$-state atom, where transitions are caused by an external interaction. In systems with degenerate states there is no time ordering. Analytic expressions have been found for transition probabilities in a degenerate $n$-state atom interacting with a strong external field that gives a common time dependence to all of the transition matrix elements. Except for solving a simple $n^{th}$ order equation to determine eigenvalues of dressed states, the method is entirely analytic. These expressions may be used to control electron populations in degenerate $n$-state atoms. Examples are given for $n=2$ and $n=3$.

24 pages, 6 figures