Storing Light with Subradiant Correlations in Arrays of Atoms

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics
• Atomic physics
• Condensed matter physics

Background:

• Light-matter interactions are fundamental to quantum technologies.
• Controlling light propagation at the atomic level is a key challenge.
• Subradiant atomic states offer enhanced coherence for light manipulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the control and storage of light using resonant dipole-dipole interactions.
• To investigate the preparation of collective atomic excitations in subradiant eigenmodes.
• To explore the potential of this method for sensing applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing strong light-mediated resonant dipole-dipole interactions between atoms.
• High-fidelity preparation of a collective atomic excitation in a single correlated subradiant eigenmode within a lattice.
• Employing a simple phenomenological model to analyze dynamics.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated effective control and storage of light.
• Achieved high-fidelity preparation of collective atomic excitations.
• Observed sharp transmission resonances predicted by the phenomenological model.

Conclusions:

• Strong light interactions provide a viable pathway for light control and storage.
• Collective atomic excitations in subradiant modes are crucial for this phenomenon.
• The observed sharp resonances suggest potential for advanced sensing applications.