Electromagnetically induced transparency for X rays

Electromagnetically induced transparency is predicted for x rays in laser-dressed neon gas. The x-ray photoabsorption cross section and polarizability near the Ne K edge are calculated using an ab initio theory suitable for optical strong-field problems. The laser wavelength is tuned close to the transition between 1s(-1)3s and 1s(-1)3p (similar to 800 nm). The minimum laser intensity required to observe electromagnetically induced transparency is of the order of 10(12) W/cm(2). The ab initio results are discussed in terms of an exactly solvable three-level model. This work opens new opportunities for research with ultrafast x-ray sources.