Abstract
The interference pattern of the resonance fluorescence from a to transition of two identical atoms confined in a three-dimensional harmonic potential is calculated. The thermal motion of the atoms is included. Agreement is obtained with experiments [U. Eichmann et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 70, 2359 (1993)]. Contrary to some theoretical predictions, but in agreement with the present calculations, a fringe visibility greater than 50% can be observed with polarization-selective detection. The dependence of the fringe visibility on polarization has a simple interpretation, based on whether or not it is possible in principle to determine which atom emitted the photon.
- Received 18 November 1997
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.57.4176
©1998 American Physical Society