Cooperative eigenmodes and scattering in one-dimensional atomic arrays

Robert J. Bettles, Simon A. Gardiner, and Charles S. Adams
Phys. Rev. A 94, 043844 – Published 24 October 2016

Abstract

Collective coupling between dipoles can dramatically modify the optical response of a medium. Such effects depend strongly on the geometry of the medium and the polarization of the light. Using a classical coupled dipole model, here we investigate the simplest case of one-dimensional arrays of interacting atomic dipoles driven by a weak laser field. Changing the polarization and direction of the driving field allows us to separately address superradiant, subradiant, redshifted, and blueshifted eigenmodes, as well as observe strong Fano-like interferences between different modes. The cooperative eigenvectors can be characterized by the phase difference between nearest-neighbor dipoles, ranging from all oscillating in phase to all oscillating out of phase with their nearest neighbors. Investigating the eigenvalue behavior as a function of atom number and lattice spacing, we find that certain eigenmodes of an infinite atomic chain have the same decay rate as a single atom between two mirrors. The effects we observe provide a framework for collective control of the optical response of a medium, giving insight into the behavior of more complicated geometries, as well as providing further evidence for the dipolar analog of cavity QED.

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  • Received 18 July 2016

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.94.043844

©2016 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Atomic, Molecular & OpticalGeneral Physics

Authors & Affiliations

Robert J. Bettles*, Simon A. Gardiner, and Charles S. Adams

  • Joint Quantum Center (JQC) Durham-Newcastle, Department of Physics, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom

  • *r.j.bettles@durham.ac.uk
  • s.a.gardiner@durham.ac.uk
  • c.s.adams@durham.ac.uk

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Issue

Vol. 94, Iss. 4 — October 2016

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