Frequency-selective time-domain optical data storage by electromagnetically induced transparency in a rare-earth-doped solid.

We report the experimental observation of optical data storage by frequency-selective stimulated spin echoes based on electromagnetically induced transparency in an inhomogeneously broadened rare-earth-doped solid. We find that the spin dephasing time T(2) is almost constant in the range 2-6 K, whereas the optical T(2) shortens rapidly above 4 K. This experiment demonstrates the potential of spin echoes excited by electromagnetically induced transparency for higher-capacity optical data storage at higher temperature.