Fourier imaging of collective spontaneous emission modes in superradiant cold atomic clouds

Abstract:We measure the spatial pattern associated with the superradiant emission from a cloud of cold 87Rb atoms using Fourier imaging. We observe a highly directional, ring-shaped emission structure, which corresponds to a single collective jump operator associated to the most superradiant mode of the ensemble. Using spatial filtering, we isolate this channel and find the typical superradiant burst with superlinear scaling of the intensity with atom number. We compare our results to two models that describe the competition between the various decay channels, finding good agreement. Our work shows that the collective jump operators introduced by Carmichael et al. [Optics Communications 179, 417 (2000)] can be measured and manipulated.

Atomic Physics (physics.atom-ph); Quantum Physics (quant-ph)

arXiv:2607.08421 [physics.atom-ph]

(or arXiv:2607.08421v3 [physics.atom-ph] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2607.08421 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite

arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.

Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.

Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.