Stimulated Raman adiabatic passage via bright state in Λ medium of unequal oscillator strengths

We consider the population transfer process in a Λ-type atomic medium of unequal oscillator strengths by stimulated Raman adiabatic passage via bright-state (b-STIRAP) taking into account propagation effects. Using both analytic and numerical methods we show that the population transfer efficiency is sensitive to the ratio q _p/q _s of the transition oscillator strengths. We find that the case q _p > q _s is more detrimental for population transfer process as compared to the case where q _p ≤ q _s. For this case it is possible to increase medium dimensions while permitting efficient population transfer. A criterion determining the interaction adiabaticity in the course of propagation process is found. We also show that the mixing parameter characterizing the population transfer propagates superluminally.