Atomic transitions with orthogonal dipole moments can be made to interfere with each other by the use of an anisotropic environment. Here we describe, provide, and apply a computational toolbox capable of algorithmically designing three-dimensional photonic environments that enhance the degree of coherence in atomic $\mathrm{\Lambda }$ systems. Example optimization runs produce spiral-like structures that induce strongly localized polarization conversion of the reflected wave at the atomic position, yielding approximately double the degree of coherence found using simple planar geometries.

• Received 6 June 2020
• Accepted 14 December 2020

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.103.013706