Optical properties of an inhomogeneously broadened multilevel V-system in the weak and strong probe regimes

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We present a theoretical model, using density matrix approach, to study the effect of weak as well as strong probe field on the optical properties of an inhomogeneously broadened multilevel V-system of the ⁸⁷Rb D2 line. We consider the case of stationary as well as moving atoms and perform thermal averaging at room temperature. The presence of multiple excited states results in asymmetric absorption and dispersion profiles. In the weak probe regime, we observe the partial transparency window due to the constructive interference occurs between transition pathways at the line center. In a room temperature vapour, we obtain an increased linewidth of the transparency window and steep positive dispersion. For a strong probe regime, the transparency window with normal dispersion switches to enhanced absorption with anomalous dispersion at the line center. Here, we show how the electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) depends on the polarizations of the applied fields. We also discuss the transient behaviour of our system which agrees well with the corresponding absorption and dispersion profiles. This study may help to understand optical switching and controllability of group velocity.