arXiv · 1307.7012
Seeding patterns for self-organization of photons and atoms
Abstract
When atoms scatter photons from a transverse laser into a high-finesse optical cavity, they form crystalline structures which maximize the intracavity light field and trap the atoms in the ordered array. Stable organization occurs when the laser field amplitude exceeds a certain threshold. For planar single-mode cavities there exist two equivalent possible atomic patterns, which determine the phase of the intracavity light field. Under these premises, we show that the effect of an additional laser pumping the cavity makes one pattern more favorable than the other and that it can dynamically force the system into a predetermined configuration. This is an instance of pattern formation and seeding in a nonlinear quantum-optical system.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
Wolfgang Niedenzu, Stefan Schütz, Hessam Habibian, Giovanna Morigi, Helmut Ritsch. 2013-09-19. Seeding patterns for self-organization of photons and atoms. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreva.88.033830
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.