arXiv · quant-ph/0302201
Atomic time-of-arrival measurements with a laser of finite beam width
Abstract
A natural approach to measure the time of arrival of an atom at a spatial region is to illuminate this region with a laser and detect the first fluorescence photons produced by the excitation of the atom and subsequent decay. We investigate the actual physical content of such a measurement in terms of atomic dynamical variables, taking into account the finite width of the laser beam. Different operation regimes are identified, in particular the ones in which the quantum current density may be obtained.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
J. A. Damborenea, I. L. Egusquiza, G. C. Hegerfeldt, J. G. Muga. 2003-02-28. Atomic time-of-arrival measurements with a laser of finite beam width. https://doi.org/10.1088/0953-4075/36/12/320
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.