Optical attenuation without absorption

We simulate a coherent state of light passing through an atomic medium. Upon transmission, the atoms’ states are observed and all cases in which any are excited are rejected, and the final output is calculated. Depending on initial amplitude and coupling strength, the output can be attenuated to a greater degree or even amplified when compared to the output where the atoms’ states are ignored.

Reference: Physical Review A 100, 013850 (2019)