Distinction between double electromagnetically induced transparency and double Autler–Townes splitting in RF-driven four-level ladder 87Rb atomic vapor

In this paper, the physical origin of interferences has been explored in a four-level cascade rubidium atom by simultaneous interaction with three energies; two optical fields and one radio frequency (RF) field. The atomic system is investigated by a combination of the analytical method introduced by Zhu et al (2010 Phys. Rev. A 81 053836) and resonant pole method introduced by Anisimov (2008 J. Mod. Opt. 55). A substantial amount of variation in the probe absorption has been observed in various regimes. The transition from electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) to Autler–Townes spitting (ATS) is observed. It is found that a definite threshold value exists governing the crossover from EIT to ATS. The applied analytical method gives a clear insight into the nature of interferences; one may observe EIT as a consequence of destructive interference, whereas ATS is a consequence of constructive interference. Furthermore, a transition from single EIT to double electromagnetically induced transparency has been detected when the system is illuminated by RF-driving field in weak control regime. Further, transition from ATS to double Autler–Townes splitting has been observed in the strong control regime.