  We study the evolution of a V-type three-level system, whose two resonances
are coherently excited and coupled by two ultrashort laser pump and probe
pulses, separated by a varying time delay. We relate the quantum dynamics of
the excited multi-level system to the absorption spectrum of the transmitted
probe pulse. In particular, by analyzing the quantum evolution of the system,
we interpret how atomic phases are differently encoded in the
time-delay-dependent spectral absorption profiles when the pump pulse either
precedes or follows the probe pulse. We experimentally apply this scheme to
atomic Rb, whose fine-structure-split $5s\,^2S_{1/2}\rightarrow 5p\,^2P_{1/2}$
and $5s\,^2S_{1/2}\rightarrow 5p\,^2P_{3/2}$ transitions are driven by the
combined action of a pump pulse of variable intensity and a delayed probe
pulse. The provided understanding of the relationship between quantum phases
and absorption spectra represents an important step towards full time-dependent
phase reconstruction (quantum holography) of bound-state wave-packets in
strong-field light-matter interactions with atoms, molecules and solids.

Atomic Physics;Optics