Efficient generation and control of robust stationary light signals in a double-Λ system of cold atoms

We study the dynamic processes of reversible light storage in a double-Λ system of cold atoms by modulating two counter-propagating control fields in three successive stages. We find that stationary light pulses (SLPs) can be generated when we switch on both control fields to retrieve the stored light signal from a wave-packet of atomic spin coherence. But the two control fields should have equal Rabi frequencies for a symmetric structure of atomic levels while unequal Rabi frequencies for an asymmetric structure of atomic levels. That is, the generation of SLPs requires a special ratio between Rabi frequencies of the two control fields, which is determined by the spontaneous decay rates of relevant atomic transitions. We also show that phase modulation and profile reversal of the released light signal can be implemented by suitably manipulating the two control fields. The double-Λ system of cold atoms has the advantage of high efficiency and high fidelity, when compared to the Λ system of cold atoms, because SLPs generated therein suffer very slow decay and diffusion.