Quantum state engineering

In our lab we use the nonlinear Faraday effect with modulated laser beam to create quantum coherences among Zeeman sublevels of atomic ground state. In case of rubidium it is possible to create coherences for levels that differ in magnetic quantum number by 2, 4 or 6.  Each of these coherences is uniquely characterized by the light modulation frequency at which it can arise. Further development of the experiment is aimed at selective creation of coherence between any given pair of ground states sublevels.