We propose a scheme of employing quantum interference and coherence in an optical medium with coupled electromagnetic fields to create a photonic band gap. A variable photonic band gap is achieved by the cross-phase-modulation of two counterpropagating coupling fields on a weak probe pulse. The proposed photonic band gap has potential applications for the dynamic control of group velocity dispersion compensation in fiber-optic communications.

• Received 29 July 2004

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.71.013821