Abstract
The radiative properties of an atom in a cavity differ fundamentally from the atom's radiative properties in free space. Spontaneous emission is inhibited if the cavity has characteristic dimensions which are small compared to the radiation wavelength, and enhanced if the cavity is resonant. The cavity causes slight shifts in the energies of the atom, analogous to radiative shifts. Experiments are proposed for observing these effects.
- Received 28 April 1981
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.47.233
©1981 American Physical Society