We examine the topology of eigenenergy surfaces characterizing the population transfer processes based on adiabatic passage. We show that this topology is the essential feature for the analysis of the population transfers and the prediction of its final result. We reinterpret diverse known processes, such as stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP), frequency-chirped adiabatic passage and Stark-chirped rapid adiabatic passage. Moreover, using this picture, we display new related possibilities of transfer. In particular, we show that we can selectively control the level that will be populated in STIRAP process in $\Lambda$ or V systems by the choice of the peak amplitudes or the pulse sequence.

• Received 15 December 2000

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.65.043407