Large refractive index with vanishing absorption in optical fibers

We propose and demonstrate a novel scheme for realizing large refractive index with vanishing absorption in a three-level quantum system consisting of the energy levels of Er3+-doped ZrF4–BaF2–LaF3–AlF3–NaF (ZBLAN) optical fiber. It is found that the refractive index of the probe field can be controlled via the coherent coupling field and incoherent pumping field. The switching from negative refractive index to positive refractive index and manipulation of the value of the index of refraction while maintaining vanishing absorption of the probe field can be achieved via tuning the detuning of the coherent coupling field. Our scheme may provide some new possibility for technological applications in fiber communication.