Coherent Backscattering of Light by Cold Atoms

G. Labeyrie, F. de Tomasi, J.-C. Bernard, C. A. Müller, C. Miniatura, and R. Kaiser
Phys. Rev. Lett. 83, 5266 – Published 20 December 1999
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Abstract

Light propagating in an optically thick sample experiences multiple scattering. It is now known that interferences alter this propagation, leading to an enhanced backscattering, a manifestation of weak localization of light in such diffuse samples. This phenomenon has been extensively studied with classical scatterers. In this Letter we report the first experimental evidence for coherent backscattering of light in a laser-cooled gas of rubidium atoms.

  • Received 30 July 1999

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.83.5266

©1999 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

G. Labeyrie, F. de Tomasi*, J.-C. Bernard, C. A. Müller, C. Miniatura, and R. Kaiser

  • Institut Non Linéaire de Nice, UMR 6618, 1361 route des Lucioles, F-06560 Valbonne, France

  • *Now at Dipartimento di Fisica, Universita di Lecce, via Arnesano, Lecce, Italy.

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Vol. 83, Iss. 25 — 20 December 1999

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