Photon echoes generated by reversing magnetic field gradients in a rubidium vapor

We propose a photon echo quantum memory scheme using detuned Raman coupling to long-lived ground states. In contrast to previous three-level schemes based on controlled reversible inhomogeneous broadening that use sequences of pi pulses, the scheme does not require accurate control of the coupling dynamics to the ground states. We present a proof-of-principle experimental realization of our proposal using rubidium atoms in a warm vapor cell. The Raman resonance line is broadened using a magnetic field that varies linearly along the direction of light propagation. Inverting the magnetic field gradient rephases the atomic dipoles and re-emits the light pulse in the forward direction. (C) 2008 Optical Society of America