Abstract
Atoms coupled to nanophotonic interfaces represent an exciting frontier for the investigation of quantum light-matter interactions. While most work has considered the interaction between statically positioned atoms and light, here we demonstrate that a wealth of phenomena can arise from the self-consistent interaction between atomic internal states, optical scattering, and atomic forces. We consider in detail the case of atoms coupled to a one-dimensional nanophotonic waveguide and show that this interplay gives rise to the self-organization of atomic positions along the waveguide, which can be probed through distinct characteristics in the reflection and transmission spectra.
- Received 24 November 2012
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.110.113606
© 2013 American Physical Society
Focus
Atoms Organize Themselves
Published 15 March 2013
A theoretical model finds that atoms can organize themselves into a regularly spaced row when trapped between a pair of nanosized optical fibers.
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