The connection between electromagnetically induced transparency in the Zeeman configuration and slow light in hot rubidium vapor

We experimentally studied Zeeman electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) resonances and slow light propagation in hot Rb vapor. Propagation of weak σ- polarized light pulses in the presence of stronger σ+ polarized background through Rb vapor was realized using a single laser beam and the Pockels cell. The dependences of slow light group velocity and fractional pulse delay on the overall laser beam intensity and temporal pulse length showed that lower optical power and longer light pulses lead to improved EIT and slow light features. The connection between EIT and slow light was also investigated showing that narrower and more contrasted EIT resonances are necessary for further decreasing a group velocity. (paper)