A pr 2 00 8 Broadband Optical Delay with Large Dynamic Range Using Atomic Dispersion

We report on a tunable all-optical delay line for pulses with optical frequency within the Rb D 2 absorption line. Using frequency tuning between absorption components from different isotopes, pulses of 10 ns duration are delayed in a 10 cm hot vapour cell by up to 40 ns while the transmission remains above 10%. The use of two isotopes allows the delay to be increased or decreased by optical pumping with a second laser, producing rapid tuning over a range of more than 40% of the initial delay at 110 • C. We investigate the frequency and intensity ranges in which this delay line can be realised. Our observations are in good agreement with a numerical model of the system.