Asymmetric diffraction in an inverted-Y Rydberg atomic system

In this paper, the dynamics of an inverted-Y-type Rydberg atomic system are investigated. This system is driven by a weak probe field and two control fields. Under the condition of periodical modulation of the standing wave field, a new scheme of generating asymmetric diffraction grating in a Rydberg atomic system, considering the strong dipole–dipole interaction, is present. This is an alternative scheme to generate unidirectional diffraction, and the results show that the first-order diffraction coefficient is dependent on the detunings of the control fields. Compared to other schemes, the diffraction direction is easy controlled by only adjusting the frequency of the control fields. (paper)