Constructive interference via collision-aided radiative excitation

We have studied theoretically constructive interference via collision-aided radiative excitation in an open four-level system using a density matrix approach. The four-level system consists of a \varLambda-type three-level quantum-beat configuration driven by one laser field and a fourth level coupled by a vacuum mode. It is shown that through the incoherent process (collision), coherence between widely-separated doublets and subsequent constructive interference can be realized. We analyse the effects of the collision-induced coherent and incoherent decay rates, laser intensity, and energy separation of the doublets on the interference. Meanwhile, the constructive interference between the two transition pathways 3P_1/2-4D and 3P_3/2-4D via equal-frequency hybrid excitation and collision-aided radiative excitation in an Na₂-Na system is experimentally observed. A good agreement between the theoretical and experimental results is obtained.