We have studied a rare-earth-doped crystal, ${\text{Pr}}^{3+}:{\text{La}}_2{\left({\text{WO}}_4\right)}_3$, which exhibits a high magnetic-moment density. Although the latter favors rare-earth dephasing, a nuclear-spin coherence lifetime of $250\mu \text{s}$ has been observed, as well as electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). This suggests that a broad range of materials could be considered for quantum information applications such as quantum memories for light, where solids are especially attractive. Absorption and dispersion curves are independently in very good agreement with EIT theory. Fano-like profiles have also been observed.

• Received 12 May 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.79.033809