Super-radiance reveals infinite-range dipole interactions through a nanofiber

Area of Science:

• Quantum Optics
• Atomic Physics
• Condensed Matter Physics

Background:

• Atoms interact via the electromagnetic field, leading to collective radiative phenomena like super- and sub-radiance.
• One-dimensional confinement of the electromagnetic field enables infinite-range interactions between atoms.
• Macroscopically separated atomic interactions are essential for advancing quantum information and many-body physics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first observation of infinite-range interactions between macroscopically separated atomic dipoles.
• To demonstrate the use of an optical waveguide for mediating these interactions.
• To explore collective atomic behavior in a one-dimensional photonic environment.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing cold Rubidium-87 (⁸⁷Rb) atoms positioned near a single-mode optical nanofiber (ONF).
• Employing evanescently coupled photons within the ONF mode for coherent atom-atom interaction.
• Observing and measuring super-radiant and sub-radiant emission from the atomic ensemble.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated super-radiance in a system of a few atoms separated by hundreds of resonant wavelengths.
• Successfully measured sub-radiance, a rarely observed quantum optical effect.
• Confirmed the principle of collective behavior in macroscopically delocalized atomic states.

Conclusions:

• The optical nanofiber platform enables long-range, coherent interactions between separated atomic dipoles.
• This system serves as a unique tool for studying super- and sub-radiance in quantum optics.
• The findings provide a foundation for novel quantum information and many-body physics applications.