  The quantum dynamics of a system of Rb atoms, modeled by a V-type three-level
system interacting with intense probe and pump pulses, are studied. The
time-delay-dependent transient-absorption spectrum of an intense probe pulse is
thus predicted, when this is preceded or followed by a strong pump pulse.
Numerical results are interpreted in terms of an analytical model, which allows
us to quantify the oscillating features of the resulting transient-absorption
spectra in terms of the atomic populations and phases generated by the intense
pulses. Strong-field-induced phases and their influence on the resulting
transient-absorption spectra are thereby investigated for different values of
pump and probe intensities and frequencies, focusing on the atomic properties
which are encoded in the absorption line shapes for positive and negative time
delays.
