EIT enhanced self-Kerr nonlinearity in the three-level lambda system under Doppler broadening

Using density-matrix theory, an analytical expression of the self-Kerr nonlinear coefficient of a three-level lambda EIT medium for a weak probe light is derived. Influences of the coupling light and Doppler broadening on the self-Kerr coefficient are investigated and compared to experimental observation with a good agreement. The self-Kerr nonlinearity of the medium is modified and greatly enhanced in the spectral region of EIT window. Furthermore, sign, slope, and magnitude of the self-Kerr coefficient can be controlled with frequency and intensity of the coupling light and temperature of the medium. In particular, for a given set of fixed values of the parameter coupling and probe lights, it is possible to choose an optimized temperature with which to obtain the largest magnitude of the self-Kerr coefficient. Such a controllable Kerr nonlinearity can find interesting applications in optoelectronic devices working with low-light intensity at various temperature conditions. (paper)