Dark States (IMAGE) Joint Quantum Institute Caption This is an energy level diagram showing two paths by which at atom can attain state 3. The 1-to-3 avenue can be made to compete with the 2-to-3 transition, thus precluding the atom from ever arriving in state 3. It is, in effect, a dark state. Credit JQI Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.