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arXiv · 1706.04851

Observation of Optomechanical Strain in a Cold Atomic Cloud

Noam Matzliah·Hagai Edri·Asif Sinay·Roee Ozeri·Nir Davidson
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Abstract

We report the observation of the optomechanical strain applied to thermal and to quantum degenerate $^{87}\text{Rb}$ atomic clouds when illuminated by an intense, far detuned homogenous laser beam. In this regime the atomic cloud acts as a lens which focuses the laser beam. As a back action, 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 inter-particle interactions, which can be optically tuned.

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Noam Matzliah, Hagai Edri, Asif Sinay, Roee Ozeri, Nir Davidson. 2017-10-17. Observation of Optomechanical Strain in a Cold Atomic Cloud. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.119.163201

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