Abstract
We report the observation of optomechanical strain applied to thermal and quantum degenerate atomic clouds when illuminated by an intense, far detuned homogeneous laser beam. In this regime the atomic cloud acts as a lens that focuses the laser beam. As a backaction, the atoms experience a force opposite to the beam deflection, which depends on the atomic cloud density profile. We experimentally demonstrate the basic features of this force, distinguishing it from the well-established scattering and dipole forces. The observed strain saturates, ultimately limiting the momentum impulse that can be transferred to the atoms. This optomechanical force may effectively induce interparticle interactions, which can be optically tuned.
- Received 15 June 2017
- Corrected 23 October 2017
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.119.163201
© 2017 American Physical Society
Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)
Corrections
23 October 2017
Erratum
Publisher’s Note: Observation of Optomechanical Strain in a Cold Atomic Cloud [Phys. Rev. Lett. 119, 163201 (2017)]
Noam Matzliah, Hagai Edri, Asif Sinay, Roee Ozeri, and Nir Davidson
Phys. Rev. Lett. 119, 189902 (2017)
Synopsis
Atoms Feel New Force
Published 19 October 2017
Laser light can stretch and squeeze a whole cloud of atoms with a collective force.
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