Frequency-selective time-domain optical data storage by electromagnetically induced transparency in a rare-earth-doped solid

We report the experimental observation of optical data storage by frequency-selective stimulated spin echoes based on electromagnetically induced transparency in an inhomogeneously broadened rare-earth-doped solid. We find that the spin dephasing time T-2 is almost constant in the range 2-6 K, whereas the optical T-2 shortens rapidly above 4 K. This experiment demonstrates the potential of spin echoes excited by electromagnetically induced transparency for higher-capacity optical data storage at higher temperature. (C) 1997 Optical Society of America.