Abstract
We present a theoretical analysis of coherent atomic motion through a straight atomic waveguide constructed from a hollow optical fiber. Atoms are guided by the evanescent light field at the fiber’s interior glass-vacuum interface. The atoms’ internal structure is modeled by a =0 to =1 transition. The atomic wave functions are determined and the loss rates due to spontaneous emission, tunneling to the wall, and nonadiabatic transitions are estimated. The influence of Casimir-Polder forces is considered. We conclude with a discussion of the feasibility of the proposed waveguides.
- Received 7 December 1993
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.50.2680
©1994 American Physical Society