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arXiv · 1510.07855

Enhanced optical cross section via collective coupling of atomic dipoles in a 2D array

Robert J. Bettles·Simon A. Gardiner·Charles S. Adams
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Abstract

Enhancing the optical cross section is an enticing goal in light-matter interactions, due to its fundamental role in quantum and non-linear optics. Here, we show how dipolar interactions can suppress off-axis scattering in a two-dimensional atomic array, leading to a subradiant collective mode where the optical cross section is enhanced by almost an order of magnitude. As a consequence, it is possible to attain an optical depth which implies high fidelity extinction, from a monolayer. Using realistic experimental parameters, we also model how lattice vacancies and the atomic trapping depth affect the transmission, concluding that such high extinction should be possible, using current experimental techniques.

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Robert J. Bettles, Simon A. Gardiner, Charles S. Adams. 2016-03-10. Enhanced optical cross section via collective coupling of atomic dipoles in a 2D array. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.116.103602

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