  We study the creation of knotted ultracold matter waves in Bose-Einstein
condensates via coherent two-photon Raman transitions with a $\Lambda$ level
configuration. The Raman transition allows an indirect transfer of atoms from
the internal state $\left| a \right\rangle$ to the target state $\left| b
\right\rangle$ via an excited state $\left| e \right\rangle$, that would be
otherwise dipole-forbidden. This setup enables us to imprint three-dimensional
knotted vortex lines embedded in the the probe field to the density in the
target state. We elaborate on experimental feasibility as well as on subsequent
dynamics of the matter wave.
