Manipulation of two-level quantum systems with narrow transition lines by short linearly polarized frequency-chirped laser pulses

We propose and investigate theoretically a novel scheme for transient slowing and cooling of two-level quantum systems with narrow transition linewidths by a sequence of counterpropagating, short, linearly polarized laser pulses with special frequency chirping. Both internal degrees of freedom and the motion of the center of mass of quantum systems are considered quantum mechanically. interaction with a large number of laser pulses during the decay time permits a drastic decrease in the cooling time of such systems. (C) 1996 Optical Society of America.