Coherent control of transient optical phenomena: Molecules, atoms, and nanostructures

The dynamic nature of the interaction between the electromagnetic field of radiation and a resonantly absorbing medium is manifested as Rabi oscillations and can substantially affect both stationary and transient optical processes. This effect was repeatedly demonstrated for nonstationary transient processes in gaseous media with homogeneously broadened absorption lines. A single approach to the coherent control of the transient processes in the media with essentially inhomogeneous broadening of the absorption line is proposed. The results of the study of the Doppler-broadened molecular transition are presented. The prospects for the study of alternative inhomogeneously broadened media (low-pressure atomic gas and the exciton transitions localized in quantum wells (nanosized semiconductor heterostructures)) are reviewed.